How to Tell If Black Tourmaline is Real: Tips & Techniques from Crystal Experts

Black tourmaline, a sought-after gemstone renowned for its protective properties, is highly coveted in the market. However, distinguishing genuine black tourmaline from imitations can be a challenging task. With the prevalence of fake gemstones, it becomes crucial to know how to identify real tourmaline.

Below, you’ll learn signs of real and fake black tourmaline gemstones. By understanding these indicators, you'll be equipped with the knowledge needed to confidently differentiate the two. Unravel the secrets of identifying genuine black tourmaline here.

Importance of Authentic Black Tourmaline

Authentic black tourmaline possesses powerful grounding and protective energies that can help you feel more balanced and shielded from negative influences. When you wear a real black tourmaline bracelet, it acts as a natural energy cleanser, absorbing and transmuting negative energy into positive vibrations. This gemstone is believed to provide a sense of stability, strength, and protection, making it highly sought after by crystal enthusiasts.

On the other hand, fake black tourmaline lacks the metaphysical properties associated with the genuine gemstone. It may look similar to the real thing but does not possess the same energetic qualities. Fake black tourmaline is often made from cheaper materials or dyed to resemble the authentic stone. Without these metaphysical properties, you won't experience the full black tourmaline bracelet benefits that the real deal can offer.

By ensuring you have real black tourmaline, you can harness its powerful energies for protection, balance, and overall well-being.

To fully benefit from black tourmaline's grounding and protective qualities, it is crucial to ensure you have real black tourmaline in your possession. There are several ways to determine if black tourmaline is authentic, which we will tackle in the next sections.

Signs of Fake Black Tourmaline

Before we proceed with the tests, it’s crucial that you know the key signs to look out for in fake black tourmaline stones. If you find these signs during one or more tests, it could be indicators that you’re looking at imitation stones:

Perfect Appearance without Natural Imperfections

Fake black tourmaline may have a flawless appearance, lacking the typical inclusions and imperfections found in genuine stones.

Uniform Color throughout the Stone

Imitation black tourmalines often exhibit a uniform color throughout, without the natural variations and striations seen in real black tourmaline.

Easy Scratching or Chipping

Fake black tourmaline made from softer materials may scratch or chip easily, unlike genuine stones that are more durable.

Lacks Coolness and Warms Quickly

Unlike real black tourmaline, which retains coolness even after being held for some time, imitation stones tend to warm up quickly when touched.

Absence of Magnetic Properties

Genuine black tourmalines have slight magnetic properties due to their iron content. If a stone does not exhibit any magnetic attraction, it is possibly fake unless magnetism has been artificially added.

Suspiciously Low Price Tags or Large Quantities

Be cautious of low-priced black tourmalines or sellers offering suspiciously large quantities at discounted rates. These could be red flags indicating the authenticity of the stones.

By being aware of these signs, you can increase your chances of acquiring genuine black tourmaline. Now that you know what to watch out for, it’s time to do some tests.

1. Magnetic Test: Checking for Magnetic Properties

To verify whether black tourmaline is genuine, a magnetic test can be insightful because real black tourmaline can occasionally be magnetic due to iron content. While not all black tourmaline will show a magnetic response, some specimens do contain enough magnetite to be attracted to a magnet.

Here’s how you can perform a magnetic test on black tourmaline:

1. Obtain a small magnet.
2. Gently bring the magnet close to the black tourmaline stone without touching it.
3. Observe if there is any magnetic attraction between the two.

If the black tourmaline moves toward the magnet or attaches itself to it, it may contain magnetic minerals like magnetite, which is common in natural tourmaline. This does not necessarily indicate that the stone is fake. However, an overly strong magnetic reaction could suggest the presence of other magnetic materials not typically found in black tourmaline.

Here are some considerations for the magnetic test:

• The magnetic response of natural black tourmaline can vary, with some pieces being more responsive than others depending on the iron content.
• If the stone has a weak or non-existent magnetic attraction, it could still be real black tourmaline, as not all samples will respond strongly to a magnet.
• A very strong magnetic reaction might also point to the stone being another mineral entirely or artificially enhanced.

As with any other DIY tests, it’s best to combine this with other methods in this list for a more comprehensive evaluation.

2. Energy Test: Sensing Inherent Vibrations

The energy test is more subjective and relies on personal sensitivity to the stone's subtle vibrations. To perform this test:

1. Sit quietly and hold the black tourmaline in your hand.
2. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths to center yourself.
3. Focus on the sensations in your hand and throughout your body.
4. Pay attention to any feeling of heaviness or a grounding effect that might emanate from the stone.

People who are sensitive to the energy of crystals often report that genuine black tourmaline has a palpable grounding energy. This can feel like a calming, stabilizing force that may also offer a sense of protection or emotional steadiness.

Considerations for the Energy Test:

• Personal bias and expectation can influence your perception, so try to approach the test with a neutral mindset.
• Not everyone is sensitive to the energy of crystals, so a lack of sensation does not necessarily mean the tourmaline is not real.
• This method is highly subjective and should be used in conjunction with more objective tests to determine authenticity.

Remember, the energy test should be seen as a complementary approach rather than a standalone verification method. If you’re seeking a more tangible form of confirmation, pairing this test with those that assess physical properties, such as the streak or scratch test, would be more reliable.

3. Scratch Test: Assessing Hardness

The hardness of genuine black tourmaline falls between 7 and 7.5 on the Mohs scale, which measures the relative hardness of minerals. By scratching a glass surface with the stone, you can assess its authenticity.

If the glass leaves no mark on the black tourmaline, it is likely genuine. This indicates that the stone's hardness exceeds that of glass, which ranks around 5-6 on the Mohs scale. However, if scratches appear on the stone after rubbing it, there is a possibility that the crystal may not be authentic.

Performing a scratch test involves a few simple steps:

1. Obtain a piece of smooth glass or an unglazed porcelain tile.
2. Hold the black tourmaline firmly in your hand.
3. Gently rub the stone against the glass surface using moderate pressure.
4. Observe whether any scratches or marks are left behind on the stone.

Keep in mind that this test should be conducted cautiously to avoid causing damage or injury. It's recommended to use gloves and exercise care while handling sharp objects such as glass surfaces or steel blades.

Remember: If you notice significant scratches on your stone, it might indicate that your black tourmaline could be synthetic or composed of other materials.

4. Streak Test: Evaluating Authenticity

Genuine black tourmaline, when scraped across an unglazed porcelain tile (known as a streak plate), should leave a white or colorless streak behind. This happens because the streak plate is harder than the tourmaline, allowing the true color of its powdered form to show.

Here's how you can perform the streak test:

1. Find an unglazed porcelain tile, often available at hardware or science supply stores.
2. Take your black tourmaline and lightly drag it across the surface of the tile.
3. Check the color of the streak left by the tourmaline on the tile.

If the black tourmaline is real, the streak should be white or colorless, indicating that it hasn't left any material on the tile, but just the fine powder created by friction. If the stone leaves a black or colored streak, it suggests that it may be a fake or a different mineral.

Here are some tips for the streak test:

• Perform the test gently to prevent damaging the stone or the tile.
• If the tile gets marked or scratched, the stone might be harder than porcelain and could be a genuine tourmaline.
• It's always best to compare the results with a known sample of black tourmaline if possible.

5. Visual Test: Evaluating Luster and Color

Authentic black tourmaline exhibits specific characteristics that you can check with naked eye. When doing a visual test, check the stone’s luster and color.

Here are some key points to consider:

• Luster - Authentic black tourmaline possesses a vitreous luster, which means it has a glass-like shine when properly polished. This luster is a distinct feature that sets genuine black tourmaline apart from imitations or fakes.
• Color - Genuine black tourmaline typically ranges from deep jet-black to dark brownish-black hues. It should have consistent color throughout, sometimes with inclusions visible. Within one stone, there should be no variations in color. If you notice different colors or color zoning within the gemstone, it could indicate that it is not authentic.

If the black tourmaline you are examining lacks the characteristic vitreous luster or displays inconsistent coloring, there is a possibility that it may not be genuine. Dull luster can be an indication of a fake gemstone, while inconsistencies in coloring might suggest artificial enhancements.

To visually evaluate the authenticity of black tourmaline, follow these steps:

1. Examine the gemstone under natural light and observe its luster.
2. Look for any variations in color within the stone.
3. Look for visible inclusions. Inclusions are materials or imperfections trapped inside a mineral or gemstone during its formation.
4. Compare its appearance with reference images of authentic black tourmaline.

Remember that lighting conditions can play a role in how colors appear, so it's essential to evaluate the gemstone under different lighting sources as well.

By conducting this visual test and paying attention to the luster and color of black tourmaline, you can increase your chances of identifying whether it is genuine or not.

6. Touch Test: Checking Temperature and Texture

When you touch your black tourmaline, observe the following:

• Temperature - Genuine black tourmaline tends to feel cool to the touch due to its excellent thermal conductivity. When you hold it in your hand, it should not radiate heat or feel warm. If it does, there's a chance that it may not be real.
• Texture - The texture of genuine black tourmaline is smooth and polished, without any rough edges or irregularities. Run your fingers along the surface of the stone to feel for any imperfections. Authentic black tourmaline should have a consistent and even texture throughout. Fake ones may have a plastic feel.

If you notice any rough patches, uneven surfaces, or irregularities on the stone's surface, it could indicate that it's not genuine black tourmaline. Fake stones may have inconsistencies in their texture due to lower quality materials or manufacturing processes.

To perform the touch test:

1. Hold the black tourmaline in your hand.
2. Feel for any warmth or coolness.
3. Run your fingers along the surface to check for smoothness.
4. Pay attention to any rough patches or irregularities.

Remember that this touch test provides an initial indication of whether a black tourmaline is real or fake but cannot guarantee absolute certainty. It's always advisable to combine it with other tests to up your chances of finding the real deal.

Black Tourmaline vs Obsidian

Black obsidian is one of the  black stones commonly confused with black tourmaline. To differentiate the two, here are some quick facts you should know:

Black Tourmaline (Schorl):

• Type: A crystalline boron silicate mineral compounded with elements such as iron, which can cause magnetism.
• Formation: Forms in columnar or striated crystals within igneous and metamorphic rocks.
• Hardness: Ranks about 7-7.5 on the Mohs scale.
• Appearance: Has a more opaque appearance with a glassy luster and may show ridges or striations.
• Energy: Believed to have grounding and protective energy, often used in healing and energy work.
• Magnetism: Can exhibit magnetic properties due to iron content.

Obsidian:

• Type: A  real black obsidian is a natural volcanic glass formed from quickly cooled lava.
• Formation: Occurs when felsic lava extruded from a volcano cools rapidly with minimal crystal growth.
• Hardness: Generally softer than tourmaline, around 5-6 on the Mohs scale.
• Appearance: Generally very shiny and glass-like, with a smooth surface and sharp edges when broken.
• Energy: Often associated with protection and grounding, similar to tourmaline, but also with truth-enhancing and cleansing properties.
• Magnetism: Not typically magnetic.

In summary, while both stones are used for similar energetic purposes, they differ in composition, hardness, and appearance, with black tourmaline being a crystalline mineral that can be magnetic, and black obsidian being a volcanic glass without magnetic properties.

Wrapping Up

As with any DIY testing method, theses tests are not infallible. But combining the tests together can significantly improve your chances of finding genuine tourmaline stones.

Remember: Determining the authenticity of black tourmaline is crucial to ensure you are purchasing a genuine gemstone. Ultimately, you are getting the metaphysical properties of protection and grounding from your purchase.

By following the tests discussed in this blog post, it can help distinguish real black tourmaline from fake ones. Being aware of signs of fake black tourmaline will further assist you in making an informed purchase decision.

FAQs

Are black tourmaline stones magnetic?

Yes,  black tourmaline can be magnetic. Some stones can be magnetic due to iron content, but magnetism varies among individual stones.

Can I use a magnet at home for the magnetic test?

Yes, using a magnet for the magnetic test is simple and convenient. You can easily find magnets at home or purchase them inexpensively from hardware stores or online retailers.

Will a scratch test damage my black tourmaline?

A scratch test should not cause any significant damage to your crystal if done correctly. However, it is advisable to perform this test on an inconspicuous area of the stone to minimize any potential visible marks.

What should I do if I suspect my black tourmaline is fake?

If you suspect that your black tourmaline may be fake based on the tests discussed in this blog post or other reasons, it is best to consult with a professional gemologist who can provide expert guidance and help authenticate your stone.

Can color variations indicate whether my black tourmaline is real or fake?

Color variations alone cannot determine the authenticity of black tourmaline since natural variations sometimes exist within genuine stones. It is crucial to consider multiple factors and conduct various tests to make an accurate assessment.

Are there any other gemstones that resemble black tourmaline?

Yes, there are other gemstones that may resemble black tourmaline, such as black obsidian. However, by carefully examining the properties discussed in this blog post and using the tests mentioned, you can differentiate between black tourmaline and its look-alikes.