THE JOURNAL / Gemstone Identifier
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Showing 73–90 of 150 guides
THE READING ROOM / 05Labradorite vs. Larvikite: How to Tell Them Apart
Compare labradorite and larvikite by their flash, color, texture, and reliable identification clues, while understanding what appearance alone cannot prove.
Read the guideLapis Lazuli Identification: Color, Pyrite, and Common Lookalikes
Learn the visible clues that help identify lapis lazuli, distinguish common lookalikes, and understand when gemological testing is needed.
Read the guideLapis Lazuli vs. Sodalite: How to Tell Them Apart
Compare lapis lazuli and sodalite by color, pattern, composition, and practical identification limits.
Read the guideLepidolite Identification: Color, Texture, and Key Clues
Learn to recognize lepidolite by its color, mica-like texture, and crystal habit, and understand which observations require expert testing.
Read the guideMahogany Obsidian Identification: Color, Patterns, and Tests
Learn how mahogany obsidian’s reddish-brown patches and glassy texture compare with look-alikes, and which observations or tests can help identify a specimen.
Read the guideMalachite Identification: Visual Clues and Reliable Checks
Learn to recognize malachite’s green bands, distinguish it from lookalikes, and understand what photos and professional tests can—and cannot—confirm.
Read the guideMoonstone Identification: How to Recognize the Gem
Learn how moonstone’s glow, body color, and surface features can guide identification—and why appearance alone cannot confirm a stone’s identity.
Read the guideMoonstone vs Labradorite: How to Tell Them Apart
Compare moonstone and labradorite by their sheen, color, structure, and common uses, and learn what visual clues cannot establish.
Read the guideMoonstone vs Opalite: Key Differences and How to Tell Them Apart
Compare moonstone and opalite by appearance, material, light effects, and what visual clues can—and cannot—confirm.
Read the guideMoss Agate vs. Tree Agate: How to Tell Them Apart
Learn how moss agate and tree agate differ in color, pattern, and appearance, and which visual clues can—and cannot—identify a specimen.
Read the guideNatural vs. Synthetic Gemstones: How They Differ
Learn how natural, synthetic, and imitation gemstones differ, which visible clues can help, and when professional gem testing is needed.
Read the guideNephrite vs. Jadeite: Key Differences and How to Identify Them
Learn how nephrite and jadeite differ in composition, appearance, durability, and value—and which clues require professional gem testing.
Read the guideObsidian Identification: How to Recognize Natural Volcanic Glass
Learn the visible clues that can help identify obsidian, how it differs from similar black stones, and when laboratory testing is needed.
Read the guideObsidian vs Onyx: How to Tell These Black Stones Apart
Compare obsidian and onyx by appearance, structure, origins, and practical identification limits, with clear guidance on when a gemological test is needed.
Read the guideObsidian vs. Black Glass: How to Tell Them Apart
Learn how obsidian and black glass compare in appearance, texture, and reliable identification, plus what visual clues cannot prove.
Read the guideOcean Jasper Identification: Visual Clues and Reliable Tests
Learn how to identify ocean jasper by its orbicular patterns, colors, texture, and polish—and where visual identification reaches its limits.
Read the guideOpal vs. Opalite: How to Tell Them Apart
Learn how natural opal and opalite differ in composition, appearance, care, and what visual clues can—and cannot—confirm.
Read the guideOrange Calcite Identification: Color, Clues, and Testing
Learn the visible clues that can suggest orange calcite, how it compares with similar stones, and which reliable tests can confirm its identity.
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