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Detail view of a piece of golden-yellow imitation amber with a large dragonfly inside, and with bubbles stuck to its wings.

Fakes, pt II: this amber is hella fake

Fake "reproduction" specimens of amber bearing insect, plant, and animal life have proliferated on the market. Learn the warning signs!

Fakes, pt II: this amber is hella fake

Fake "reproduction" specimens of amber bearing insect, plant, and animal life have proliferated on the market. Learn the warning signs!

A screenshot of several rows of google image results of brightly-colored synthetic quartz specimens

Fake minerals on the market, pt. I: Ghost Quartz

In our first episode we look at a synthetic mineral that has bamboozled many amateur collectors (me. I mean me.)

Fake minerals on the market, pt. I: Ghost Quartz

In our first episode we look at a synthetic mineral that has bamboozled many amateur collectors (me. I mean me.)

Detail of the surface of a chalcedony geode with a crack full of glue

Repaired minerals and how to identify them

Repairs are routine in the mineral industry. Learn what is normal and how to identify repairs.

Repaired minerals and how to identify them

Repairs are routine in the mineral industry. Learn what is normal and how to identify repairs.

A green synthetic quartz cluster with one yellow crystal in the center, and a whitish crust of needle-like crystals

Mineral phonies and alterations 101

How to interpret commonly used descriptors like 'enhanced' and what should be disclosed.

Mineral phonies and alterations 101

How to interpret commonly used descriptors like 'enhanced' and what should be disclosed.