Gemstone or Glass?

[nini]

Hi. I don't know where to put this but I'm having trouble distinguishing the gemstone and crystal from finely craft glass. I once went to the Chinese Market where one can find crystals of different types (jade included) in a very chep price. The only problem is that i don't know if they are real or not. Can anyone give me some advice on how I will be able to determine the difference?

PS

A Chinese friend gave me 3 pieces of stones which looks like a quail egg. One reddish, one green and other brownish. However, if you will shake the stones, it seems that there is another stone inside. I tried to use a hammer to open one but it just roll. It is as hard as a real stone and I don't know it's name. The giver said she found it in Mt. Dolores in the Philippines during her last visit.
Any idea what it is called?

[aura]

nini can u post a piccy of them for us?

[nini]

here are my energy eggs


they are just small almost as big as quail eggs (the bigger one is a tea jade)

[nini]

the rest are here

[Jen]

It's really difficult to tell for definite by looking at them.
I always find putting them in your mouth and tapping your teeth against them is a good way to tell, also rubbing your tongue over them.

However, trying to explain the difference that you're looking for will be a bit more challenging.
The best thing I can think of is that glass will create a more tinkly sound when you tap your teeth against it and it generally feels more hollow.

Your energy eggs are lovely and I'm dead curious to know what they are. They don't look like glass.

[watershield]

Very hard to tell from pictures, but I think there plastic.
Possibly the same material used to make counter tops

If your willing to hit one with a hammer then try cutting it with a Hacksaw. You can hold it firmly with vise grip pliers

For that matter, if they are plastic try holding one to a flame.

[nini]

i already tried to burn the green one but nothing happens. the colour didnot even change. it is still the same when i try to wipe out the the burnt thing. i really wonder what it could be.

frankly speaking my friend says that according to the folklore those were marbles being used by "tikbalangs" (half man, half horse like pan in the movie Hercules). Sounds weird....now i am scared cutting it out....LOL ;D

[aura]

wow wot alot of violent suggestions lol
ur crystals look like crystals
but as for your supa strong eggs goddess knows,maybe try medatition with em and see if a word pops up?

[nini]

ha ha ha. let me have some time to it. my children are having their sem break and i can't concentrate on my "eggs"

[Heka]

alot of the 'jade' sold at markets and such is 'new jade' which is factory made, so technically its a jade, but its only a few years old and i dunno, im not a fan. They make it cos its so expensive. theres not much actual jade around. and its always different looking. the only way i can trust if its a real jade or not is by checking the colour (real jade isnt often that soft green colour) and the price. if its 2 dollars, i wont buy it as real

[nini]

Jul 21, 2008 8:27:54 GMT 1 Heka said:

way i can trust if its a real jade or not is by checking the colour (real jade isnt often that soft green colour) and the price. if its 2 dollars, i wont buy it as real

thanks Heka. Good thing my tea jade was more than that and I believe it is real. The first time i handled it it gives me a lot of palpitation and head ache and it doesn't stopped until such time i decided to bath it under the moon.

[aura]

colour has a lot to do with price in crystals.
and weight too.

i suggest a crystal guide book,
with crystal make up,
hardness,
colours and shades
crystal cut
,possible mixed up with other stones
what family thy from,
where they from in the world
are they man made
how are they made,
ect ect ect
omgs u can tell im a jeweller >.< lol

[nini]

ha ha ha. very true aurora. a real jeweller in heart indeed. thanks

[PaganOne]

You could try energy testing them.

Keeping your head level, stand as straight as possible with feet shoulder width apart. Close your hand around your stone and put this hand to your brestbone. Cover with your other hand. Close your eyes and ask the Goddess or your favorite diety or simply just ask if the stone you are holding is authentic. You will sway backwards if the answer is no and forwards if it is yes.

[PaganOne]

Jul 17, 2008 8:41:50 GMT 1 watershield said:

Possibly the same material used to make counter tops.

Can't help thinking that myself.

I recently bought a beautiful lapiz lazuli necklace at a craft show, only to be told by a reputable crystal collector that it was fake. I still wear it, but I will be very careful who I buy from the next time.