How to Choose Real Natural Crystals in 3 Steps

Hey Crystal Seeker!

Feeling like choosing a crystal is solving a big puzzle? Looking at all those shiny, beautiful stones can be both exciting and a little confusing. You might worry about buying fake crystals, not getting your money's worth, or the expected crystal healing properties not working.

Don't worry! This simple "3-Step" guide will help you cut through the confusion and learn how to pick your perfect, genuine crystal like a pro.

Step 1: Use Your Eyes & Hands - How to Identify Crystal Material

Don't be intimidated by professional terms. Your own senses are the best tools. Remember these four actions: Look, Feel, Weigh, Sense.

• Look Closely: Hold the crystal under good light and examine its interior. A key characteristic of natural crystals is that they are rarely 'flawless'. You will often see cotton-like inclusions, tiny irregular bubbles, clouds, or small internal fractures (ice cracks). These are not flaws; they are the crystal's natural "ID card" from Mother Earth. Conversely, if a crystal looks as clear and pure as glass with no inclusions, be cautious.
• Feel the Temperature: Natural crystals have a cool physical property. Touch it or gently press it against your cheek. You should feel a penetrating, lasting coolness, even in a warm room. Glass or plastic imitations will quickly warm up to your body temperature.
• Feel the Weight: Most natural crystals have a higher density than glass. If you compare a natural crystal and a piece of glass of similar size, the crystal will usually feel heavier and more substantial in your hand.
• Trust Your Gut: Finally, trust your intuition. Does the color, texture, and energy (if you care about that) of this crystal feel good to you? Your personal connection with it is what matters most.

Let's take Clear Quartz as an example:

Hold up a strand of Clear Quartz beads. You'll see it's transparent, but upon closer look, you'll often find cloud-like inclusions or tiny, thread-like internal fractures. It should always feel cool to the touch. Because it's colorless, it's easier to spot these natural features. If a "Clear Quartz" strand has beads that are all perfectly pure and flawless, it's likely man-made glass.

Step 2: Check its 'Background' - Understanding Source & Certification

Now, let's confirm the crystal's "heritage" and origin. This step is key to building trust.

Look for 'Natural' Keywords: In the product description, look for the keyword "Natural". Be cautious with terms like "Simulated," "Synthetic," "Man-made," or "Lab-created". While these are real crystalline structures, they are not naturally formed and hold a different value and energetic perception compared to natural crystals.

Step 3: Spot the Fakes - How to Tell if it's a Natural Crystal

Let's combine the first two steps to tackle the most common "imposters."

Natural Crystal vs. Glass:

• Inclusions: Natural crystals have inclusions; glass is usually very clean or may contain round, regular bubbles.
• Temperature: Crystals feel cool persistently; glass warms up quickly.
• Hardness: Crystals are harder and can scratch glass (test carefully), but glass cannot scratch a real crystal.

Natural Crystal vs. Plastic/Resin:

• Weight: Plastic feels light and flimsy, completely lacking the substantial feel of a crystal.
• Temperature: Plastic has no cool feeling at all.
• Hardness: If you scratch it with a fingernail, plastic might show a mark, while a crystal won't.

Using Clear Quartz as an example again:

Man-made glass often imitates Clear Quartz. But remember, "too perfect" is a red flag. The clouds and ice cracks in natural Clear Quartz are part of its soul, while glass only has a sterile "purity." A simple temperature test will tell you the truth.

Buying crystals is a beautiful journey. Don't rush, compare your options, trust your senses, and choose sellers who are transparent with their information. When you find that crystal that "locks eyes" with you, you'll not only gain a beautiful item but also a real, ancient gift from the depths of the Earth.

Ready to find your first crystal? Click the image below to explore our collection of 100% natural Clear Quartz—a perfect and pure way to begin your crystal journey. Shop with confidence!

Happy crystal hunting!

Lithicgems