Gear Guide
The Crystal Testing Toolkit
The fake-spotting guide tells you which tests to run. This is the gear that runs them, tiered from the four tools every buyer should own to the specialist instruments worth it once you are spending real money. None of it requires a geology degree, and the basic kit costs less than a single fake moldavite.
Some links in this post go to Amazon. Crystal Almanac earns a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Tools recommended here are ones we would use ourselves to run the tests described - the recommendation comes first, the link is downstream of it.
Toolkit FAQ
What is the one tool to buy first?
A 10x triplet jeweler's loupe. It is used in nearly every test on the fake-spotting guide. Round gas bubbles, dye pooled in cracks, surface coatings, and the wrong kind of inclusions are invisible to the naked eye and obvious at 10x. If you own one thing, own this.
Do I really need a microscope or a refractometer?
For most buyers, no. The essential four (loupe, hardness picks, UV light, pocket scale) settle the large majority of common fakes. A refractometer and microscope earn their place once you are spending real money on cut stones or documenting a fake for a refund dispute.
Are hardness picks safe to use on a stone I want to keep?
A hardness scratch leaves a tiny mark, so always test an inconspicuous spot, like the base or back, not a display face. Picks are most useful on cheap suspects where a small scratch does not matter and the result is decisive (howlite versus turquoise, glass versus quartz).
How much does a starter testing kit cost?
The essential four come to roughly $90 total: a loupe (about $25), a hardness pick set (about $40), a 365nm UV flashlight (about $25), and a 0.01g pocket scale (about $15). That is less than the markup on a single fake moldavite or dyed turquoise piece.
Where should I buy crystals once I can test them?
Tools verify what you receive, they do not pick the seller. Buy from sellers who accept returns and photograph the actual piece, then run the tests on arrival. See the fake-spotting guide for the per-stone tests and the most-faked ranking for the riskiest buys.
Where to go next
Own the gear, now learn to read it. The fake-spotting guide has the per-stone tests, the ranked index shows which buys carry the most risk, and the care guide covers handling the soft and toxic minerals safely.