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Fakes & FraudsFake Amethyst on green matrix?

1st Nov 2018 20:35 UTCChris Schlosser

I recently baught this from here check link

https://www.stonebridgeimports.com/amethyst-on-wood-base-unique-13-7-tall/

What is this green layer?

The crystals seem natural it's just this green matrix. I used google with no success.

Any comments much appreciated

1st Nov 2018 20:51 UTCBob Harman

Your example is natural and not fake. It is Brazilian amethyst (note the correct AMETHYST spelling!). The back matrix has been treated with a rubberized compound, as most Brazilian amethyst examples are to allow ease of handling. The basalt matrix is quite sharp and hard on the workers hands when handling heavy examples all day long. The green was just part of the matrix treatment in your example.

CHEERS.....BOB

1st Nov 2018 22:16 UTCChris Schlosser

So your telling me that the Amethyst crystals themselves are natural and not died or cut?

What do you mean the green was just part of the matrix treatment?

Would you be so kind as to provide an example of the green in an Amethyst geode/druzy? I searched google and couldn't find any.

Thanks again!

1st Nov 2018 22:18 UTCChris Schlosser

I emailed the seller and this is what they said.

"The green layer is part of the substract matix, it is called Xist."

what the heck is Xist?

1st Nov 2018 22:20 UTCChris Schlosser

Let me get this strait. The crystals are natural but some of the matrix they were on has been has been removed and a rubber substance has been added to the original matrix/backing?

1st Nov 2018 23:04 UTCReiner Mielke Expert

Have you seen this piece in person? because to me the the photo appears to have been photoshopped and the colour intensified as the green is far too green for this material. Other than that both the matrix and crystals appear natural.

1st Nov 2018 23:04 UTCBob Harman

The amethyst crystals are all natural. The matrix on these specimens includes the mineral celadonite which is green. The greenish color in yours, along with the treatment to facilitate ease of handling, seems more prominent than usual, but is otherwise the usual appearance with these specimens.

If you will google the statement "matrix on Brazilian amethyst geodes", you will see an earlier thread on this website, started in 2009, addressing this issue.

I hope this helps; no more on this from me. CHEERS.....BOB

1st Nov 2018 23:12 UTCKevin Conroy Manager

I don't know if what's in the following links is what you have going on, but they're definitely worth reading.

https://www.gemquarry.com/geode-repair.html

https://www.mindat.org/forum.php?read,11,126525,295731

2nd Nov 2018 02:19 UTCJosé Zendrera 🌟 Manager

Chris, matrix is not a schist (Xist?) but basalt and the green would be, as said, celadonite.

It seems to be from Rio Grande do Sul.

2nd Nov 2018 02:27 UTCRuss Rizzo Expert

Bob Harman Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

The back matrix has been treated with a rubberized compound, as most Brazilian amethyst examples are to allow ease of handling. The basalt matrix is quite sharp and hard on the workers hands when handling heavy examples all day long. The green was just part of the matrix treatment in your example.

I looked at all 4 photos of Chris' specimen and I do not see, anywhere on the specimen, where a rubberized compound has been applied. In the photo of the rear of the of the specimen, I see saw marks and patches of Celadonite.

2nd Nov 2018 09:27 UTCAlfredo Petrov Manager

Since the green stuff is in irregular patches and does not cover the back of the rock, I think this is just natural celadonite and nothing connected to any paint or rubber coating. One can't judge anything by colour shades on computer screens - They vary too much from real daylight colours.

2nd Nov 2018 15:26 UTCScott Rider

Is it me or is that piece overpriced? $200 for a regular Brazilian Amethyst? I've seen far better deals in mineral shows as well as on eBay (much cheaper on ebay). I realize its a foot long, but still, its not anything different than the thousands of examples from brazil. Or am I just being cheap LOL!!!

2nd Nov 2018 15:33 UTCKevin Hean

Way !!! Overpriced Scott.

2nd Nov 2018 15:39 UTCScott Rider

Deleted

3rd Nov 2018 21:58 UTCChris Schlosser

Hey guys thank you for your feedback.

I have one question. I emailed the seller and the said the green is Xist or Schist. Is this accurate?

3rd Nov 2018 23:09 UTCKeith Compton 🌟 Manager

Your question has already been answered here

4th Nov 2018 05:13 UTCDoug Daniels

Yep, no schist.............(remove a few letters)

4th Nov 2018 19:44 UTCChris Schlosser

Lastly... is The specimen in my post is it natural and not died and not cut

Thank u for your patients regarding this matter.

5th Nov 2018 01:41 UTCDoug Daniels

As others have said, this piece is completely natural. Nothing is dyed. Definitely not cut (how would one do that??) I was finally able to open the link showing the different views. As far as the back side, that is the natural basalt these thing are found in, nothing rubberized. Agree that the green layer is mostly celadonite; kinda ubiquitous with these things. And, there is no schist present - wrong rock type, wrong environment of formation.

5th Nov 2018 04:42 UTCRuss Rizzo Expert

Doug Daniels Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> As others have said, this piece is completely natural. Nothing is dyed. Definitely not cut

If you zoom in the photo of the backside of the specimen you can clearly see the markings from a saw blade where it was cut.

5th Nov 2018 19:23 UTCDoug Daniels

By "cut", I meant the crystals were not cut. That is often what some are asking - "how did they cut and polish those crystals?"

5th Nov 2018 22:55 UTCRuss Rizzo Expert

Doug Daniels Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> By "cut", I meant the crystals were not cut. That

> is often what some are asking - "how did they cut

> and polish those crystals?"

Doh!!! Of course. Upon re-reading the entire thread, it is crystal clear that is what you and Chris meant .

6th Nov 2018 02:53 UTCDoug Daniels

Yep, crystal clear.........;)

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