If luxury had a tangible form, then it would be none other than an amethyst. Its elegance literally speaks to your eye (who can ignore the stunning purple shade this crystal is known for). However, it’s important to note that this gemstone has many varieties, which also determine the amethyst stone. So, if you’re thinking of purchasing this stone or exploring amethyst stones for sale, then we’re here to help. In this blog, we’ll learn five ways to spot a real amethyst amongst an ocean of fake and synthetic ones.

A real amethyst is generally available in shades ranging from light lavender to deep violet. Besides that, the stone will have a natural color, which is unevenly distributed with a presence of zoning. 

You should ensure that the stone has lighter and darker areas throughout the surface, even when purchasing wholesale gemstones for sale. 

If your stone is a uniform, overly bright purple (such as grape juice or neon tones), chances are it’s been dyed or made from colored glass. Real amethyst often features subtle gradients and earthy undertones; hence the depth of the color is supposed to appear rich without being overly flashy. 

If you want to use moonstones for sale or any other gemstones to complement amethyst’s energy, then this same color variation applies there as well. That’s because anything that comes from nature will always have some sort of inconsistency, whether in patterns or colors.

As an aware buyer, you should ensure that the listing on the website includes high-resolution, unfiltered images. Sellers who are upfront about their stones usually showcase realistic photos from different angles to help the buyers select the best stones.

Another great way to determine a fake amethyst crystal is to examine its internal structure. Natural amethyst usually has inclusions or tiny imperfections that formed over millions of years. These might look like little feathers, wisps, or even bubbles.

By contrast, synthetic or fake stones often look too perfect. If you see a crystal that is completely clear with zero internal flaws, it may be glass or lab-grown quartz.

This is especially important if you’re shopping for amethyst crystals for sale online. High-quality sellers will disclose whether the stones are natural, heat-treated, or synthetic. Therefore, you should always look for that info in the description or request it before purchasing.

Natural gemstones conduct heat differently than glass or plastic. Thus, a natural amethyst will always feel cool upon touch, and will warm up slightly once you hold it for longer. On the other hand, glass or resin imitations will generally warm up more quickly and feel lighter in weight.

If you’re thinking about how to identify a real amethyst, then try placing your stone against your cheek or inner wrist. If it feels comfortably cold, that’s a good sign. Also, genuine amethyst tends to be heavier due to its mineral density. That’s one of the best quick indicators that you're holding a real gemstone, not a knockoff.

Amethyst ranks 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, which means it should not scratch easily. If you have a piece of glass handy, try gently scratching the glass with your amethyst. If the stone leaves a mark and doesn’t damage itself, it’s probably real.

However, this test can be risky if you don’t want to damage your stone, especially if it’s a polished or faceted piece. Use this as a last resort or only on rough, unpolished specimens.

Pro Tip: Never do the scratch test on cabochons or finished jewelry pieces unless you're 100% okay with risking surface damage.

The easiest and safest route to avoid buying a fake amethyst is to shop from sellers who provide authenticity certificates. If you’re shopping online, check the seller’s reviews and see if they disclose sourcing, treatments, and any third-party gemological testing.

Most reputable sellers are transparent about the origin, cut, and grade of their stones. Whether you’re looking to build a collection or buy a single piece, they offer a wide range of natural amethyst, plus other stones like citrine, moonstone, and rose quartz. And yes, certificates are available upon request as well. 

In addition to these ways mentioned above, it always helps to know the most common tricks sellers use to pass off fakes:

Dyed Quartz: Clear quartz dyed purple is often sold as amethyst. It looks overly vibrant and uniform.

Purple Glass: Some sellers use molded purple glass with added bubbles to mimic inclusions.

Synthetic Amethyst: Lab-grown amethyst has the same chemical composition as natural amethyst, but lacks the energetic vibrations. It’s hard to detect without proper testing.

Not all natural amethyst looks the same. You might come across stones with reddish or bluish undertones. Some have cloudy zones or areas where the color fades into white quartz. These aren't flaws, but they’re natural features that add character.

If you're buying a large cluster or geode, you may also notice calcite or iron inclusions. These are signs that the stone hasn’t been overly treated or tampered with.

At the end of the day, one of the best tools you have is your intuition. Hold the stone, observe how it looks in natural light, and pay attention to how it feels in your hand. Choosing authentic amethyst ensures you receive not only the beauty but also the energy it’s known for.

And remember: don’t hesitate to ask questions. A genuine seller won’t shy away from explaining their sourcing or sharing details. Happy gemstone hunting!