Yellow-fluorescent phantoms in amethyst: Is it really powellite?
For several years now, the mineral trade has been offering light-colored amethyst crystals from Brazil that show striking yellow to yellow-orange phantoms under UV light.…
Category: Gem or Scam? Library
Introduction: Gem or Scam?
On this introductory page, I explain exactly what "Scammite" (Belazeriet in Dutch) means, discuss different forms of Scammite, and how the Gem or Scam…
Names of minerals and gemstones
Why is correct naming of gemstones and minerals important? Commercial names and fancy names can cause confusion. It also highlights legal aspects and …
Research
The compilation of the online "Gem or Scam" library was preceded by extensive research, consulting various sources. The process included analyzing com…
Consequences of Scammite
Learn about the consequences of "Scammite", including confusion, health risks and legal liability due to misleading naming. Be aware of blaming and sh…
Sunset dumortierite
Commercial name for dumortierite containg rock with a mixture of blue, blue-gray, white to quartz-rich and warm brown to rust-orange zones. The name refers to…
Lizard Stone
Commercial name for a green to apple green with black rock often sold in the trade as “green opal with hematite,” “serpentine with hematite,” or…
Fireworks Stone
Commercial name for a decorative rock that has appeared in the international mineral and gemstone market since about 2019. The material is usually sold as…
Alien Amethyst
Trade name for amethyst with red hematite inclusions from India, often with so-called “elestial growth,” phantoms, partial overgrowth and a natural matte surface texture. Sometimes…
Volcano agate
Commercial (fantasy) name for a gray agate/chalcedony from China known for strong green fluorescence under UV. There is no indication that this is fake or…
