Consequences of Scammite

For stone enthusiasts, the current market creates increased doubt about the authenticity of stones. Especially when you are new to the hobby and still have insufficient knowledge of identification and assessment of authenticity of gemstones and minerals.

Unfortunately, there is also a lot of bad, inaccurate or dishonest information available and it is being spread intentionally or not. It has become so easy to buy and sell minerals over the Internet where I see a lot of information being blindly copied from each other and taken as “truth”. Sometimes the source is a wholesaler, sometimes an esoteric book or website. But even geologically inspired books or websites do not always contain the correct info or “the truth”. This can lead to distrust towards sellers, especially now that there is so much focus on fakes and counterfeits or because of a previous negative experience.

Misleading naming of gemstones and minerals can lead not only to confusion among enthusiasts and collectors, but also to serious health risks. When a commercial fancy name is used without accurate composition information, crucial safety information remains hidden. This lack of transparency can cause health risks, such as exposure to harmful substances, if used improperly. In addition, there may be legal consequences for sellers, such as liability for health concerns under the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR).

For salespeople, selling Scammite, sometimes unknowingly, may seem attractive in the short term, but the long-term consequences cannot be underestimated. A disappointed or “scammed” customer can lead to financial loss and reputation damage, which can undermine growth and confidence in his or her business. Moreover, with the continued provision of Scammite, we see an increase in the spread of misinformation in the market.

Blaming and shaming

It will have become clear that I am an advocate of honest information about minerals and gemstones like no other. That is why I wrote the book, maintain this online library and give lectures and courses on them. I try to spread honest information to both sellers and buyers in many ways. I applaud that this is also done through various social media channels and at mineral shows. However, I also see that this sometimes creates heated discussions about scams, witch hunts, false accusations and so on. That cannot be the intention. Keep in mind the nuances I discussed on the page about names of minerals and gemstones. That business owners are sometimes balking at being called on for using incorrect names or selling man-made or treated minerals I understand. However, it is in no way intended to damage entrepreneurs’ reputations or destroy their business. I can only speak for myself that I have more confidence in an entrepreneur who tells the honest story. I do find the spreading of incorrect information that affects people’s health to be a bad thing and I will certainly enter the conversation about that.

Although the vast majority of commercial names, trademarks and fancy names come from the esoteric or spiritual use of minerals and gemstones, I think it is important to make it clear again here that the information in this library does not focus on just that community. The use of stones and crystals in conjunction with spirituality and the value, meaning or power people attribute to them is of all times and that is fine. But that is separate from the consumer market currently created for minerals and gemstones for the “crystal healing community” – a multi-billion dollar industry – which is driven by profit and has nothing to do with spirituality anymore. The use of misleading fantasy names by shrewd sellers through which very ordinary stones or minerals are sold as extremely rare and special for high prices chafes. Some of the people from the esoteric community want scientists or those from the geological community to respect them, but seem to have little respect for the scientific facts themselves. Keep talking to each other with mutual respect.

Also consider for yourself whether you, like me, experience a difference in the “level of Scammite”. Does it actually involve completely fake or treated minerals or lookalikes where this is not reported? Or is it, for example, about the use of strictly an incorrect but long-established name in the trade? By this I am not saying that we should not use correct names: preferably we should! But let’s also understand the use of common names by sellers because this has been daily practice for years and is so familiar to many enthusiasts. After all, these names are still widely used on websites and in books. By the way, I see more and more nice examples of sellers who mention both names or give explanations and also more sellers who have their stones analyzed and ask questions about correct naming.

In my community for salespeople, I also work with them to provide honest and reliable information in the industry that they in turn can pass on to their customers. I find that the positive approach and sharing of knowledge and experience in this way has at least as much effect as the pointing finger that something is Scammite. Moreover, it is much more fun.

When the honest story is told then each person can make a choice for themselves what to do with it. Fine to buy or sell a man-made or treated mineral if you like it! As long as you know what it actually is or what treatment it has undergone, for example. Thereby, both buyer and seller have an obligation to inform themselves about what they are buying or selling. And a correct designation makes looking up its composition, properties and possible risks much easier.

Also, listen again to the podcast episode on Scammite (Dutch) in which I also discuss the effects of Scammite and give tips to buyers and sellers

Tips to protect yourself from Scammite

After all the information about Scammite, you may be wondering, “How can I be sure I’m buying or selling a genuine stone and with the right name?” The answer lies in a combination of knowledge, some basic techniques and the right connections. But above all, the best protection against Scammite is to be well-informed yourself! So: Caveat emptor; buyer, beware!

Tip #1: Know what you are buying or selling. Learn as much as you can about that particular stone, what can you recognize it by, what properties can you possibly test for and are there any known lookalikes or fakes you can look out for. Look up the name and see examples in a good book or on a reliable website. In addition to the buyer’s “duty of inquiry,” the seller also has a “duty of information” (also legal) about what he or she is selling. Then once you come across something you think might be Scammite, have a conversation.

Tip #2: Know the origin of your stones and communicate openly about it with your seller or customer. Buy your gems and minerals from reputable sellers with good reviews and reputation. Ask them critical questions about where the stones come from and possibly ask how you can tell it is genuine. Although there are no standardized seals of approval for gem and mineral vendors, the path of certification can still be taken with the help of a gemologist or laboratory, for example, but of course that costs money. Building a relationship of trust with your seller or customer is therefore at least as important. Moreover, the story behind each stone can be a rich source of information and add value.

Tip #3: Trust is good, but measuring is knowing. It is good to be able to use some basic testing methods yourself to assess the authenticity of stones. In any case, use a hand lens or magnifying glass. Already 10x magnification can help to see details and inclusions that are difficult to see with the naked eye, e.g., air bubbles in glass or accumulation of dye in cracks or seams. Learn to be able to examine some physical properties such as crystal shape, hardness, density, color, luster and possibly reaction to UV light.

So try to educate yourself but also use your common sense and gut feeling. And yes, sometimes you have to pay the price and something turns out to be something else than what you bought it for. With 40 years of experience in collecting minerals and extensive research into the naming of stones and fake and counterfeit, I still buy the occasional cat in the bag and learn every day. I continue to be amazed at what is concocted every day to sell stones better. So a little perspective is also fine.

And when in doubt: get help! Take a course, join a (geological) society or seek advice from an expert. In this regard, the online Gem or Scam library and the offer of Stapel van Stenen can also help you.

Let’s work together for honest and reliable information in the world of gems and minerals.

Download the e-book for sellers of gemstones and minerals (Dutch)