[Rockhounds] Chinese Crystals on E-Bay

[operator crystalelf]

Hi friends,

First of all I stated that I am an eBay seller selling chinese minerals.

To distinguish a natural quartz point from a synthetic one is quite easy.
First look at its shape, if you found that the crystal is very symmetry,
with very good geommetrical points, surface is very flat (mirror flat! )
with little or no growth line , then it is possibly polished stone (natural
quartz has parallel growth lines, please refer to any mineralogy books for
detail).  Then look at the inclusion,  usually people said if the quartz
seem to be flawless then it is synthetic, but I know a lot of natural
brazilian quartz are imported into China as carving material.  Sometimes an
included quartz maybe synthetic ( due to faulty growth program or the
manufacturer deliberately introduce them to make their products look "real")
but they are very difficult to check, however their price can tell (natural
clear quartz is very very expensive! impossible to sell at $0.99)

Sometimes if there is a closeup photo of the tips, you may see the face of
the tip parallel to the layered inclusion ( so-called "Phantom" ), then the
xls is most probably real.

Also look at the edge, if the edge is somewhat rounded it is possibly done
by Chinese facet machine .  However I've seen brazilian faceted quartz stone
shows very sharp edge!

Then look at the color.  For any crystals that have odd green / yellow /
deep purple / orange color they are probably artificial.  These color are
usually very bright (neon) and attractive.  Everything looks perfect and
cheap is a hint of artificial products.

I would also like to express my feeling on mineral marking in China.  As far
as I know, most mineral dealers in China now realized  the importance of
preservation or specimens and detailed locality information.  However due to
the lack of technology and training of miners, most valuable specimens are
ruined.  I have seen a lot of Yaogangxian mine material being badly
extracted (they have to use explosive, which ruined a lot of specimens
before they discover the pocket).  For the labelling issue, some dealers are
still reluctant to provide full detailed locality information ( I even
encountered a supplier deliberately inform me a false locality ).  They have
to do that because of :

i) they want to monopolize the find;
ii) they want to avoid theft;
iii) avoid the eyes of the government ( some mines are illegal )

Now I am still keep learning new knowledge from the reputable dealers and
friends in China.  You don't know when will new minerals pops out and new
artificial material go into the market.  This not only apply on Chinese
minerals but worldwide ( When I start collecting I also got a piece of
Poland man-made Alum, a cluster of Aqua Aura from Arkansas, and a stunning
man-made malachite stalactite from Congo... ). Mindat is a very good source
of reliable information and Justin have done a great website of conterfeit
material.  Perhaps subscribers like you and me can swap information in here.

I would like to stated that most of the Chinese dealers are honest people.
However if you look at a specimen that is not comfortable with it, simply
dont purchase it, or just purchase it for fun, for "education purpose" or
just to keep a piece of "artificial sample".

Hope these information can help.

Cheers,


SK



----- Original Message -----
From: "Charles Baran" <kcbaran at arczip.com>
To: "Rockhounds at drizzle.com: A mailing list for rock and gem collectors"
<rockhounds at lists.drizzle.com>
Sent: Wednesday, April 30, 2008 3:38 AM
Subject: [Rockhounds] Chinese Crystals on E-Bay


> Friends:  If you get on E-bay,  input  quartz crystals  in the search
> feature you will come up with a whole BUNCH of hits.  Many of them are
> big, very nice and very cheap. You can tell the Chinese crystals because
> most are being held in a person's hand with an outdoors background.   Has
> anyone ever bought these or have any ideas or feed back as far as quality,
> buying safety, etc? Thanks?
> Chuck Baran
> --
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