The mineral journal
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Why is amethyst purple? The science behind the colour
Amethyst is chemically identical to clear quartz, so why is it purple? The answer involves trace iron and natural radiation buried in the ground. Here's the real science, in plain terms.
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Cherry quartz, goldstone and opalite: the "crystals" that are actually glass
Some of the prettiest "crystals" on the market are actually manufactured glass. Here's the truth about cherry quartz, goldstone and opalite, and how to spot glass.
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Is your turquoise real, or dyed howlite?
Most inexpensive "turquoise" isn't turquoise at all; it's dyed howlite or magnesite. Here's how to spot the impostors, including the simple acetone test that catches them.
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Real or fake moldavite: how to tell before you buy
Few stones are faked as often as moldavite, and much of what's sold online is just green glass. Here's how to tell a genuine piece of impact glass from a melted bottle.
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What "AAA grade" really means (and why it's mostly marketing)
The letters A, AA, and AAA look official, but for crystals there's no standard behind them. Here's what grading really means, and how to judge a stone yourself.
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Are crystals safe in water? What actually needs to stay dry
Most crystals, polished pieces included, are fine for normal water contact. Here's the honest, geology-based truth about what actually needs to stay dry.