Podcast 004 Gem or Scam? Part 2

Tips for buyers and sellers

The podcast is in Dutch, but available via YouTube with English subtitles, so you can listen in – even if your Dutch is not perfect. Below you will also find the fully transcribed text.

In this episode of the Stack of Stones community podcast, the second part about “Scammite”, or fake and fraud products in the stone world. I have so much to say about Scammite that I’ve made two episodes about it.

In the previous episode, Part 1, I talk about why I wrote a book on this topic, explained what exactly Scammite means. I also gave some common examples of man-made stones, natural stones with a treatment, and stones involving misleading naming. So be sure to listen to Part 1 again in Episode 3. In Part 2, I go into more detail about the effects of Scammite on both buyers and sellers, and provide tips for protecting yourself from Scammite.

At the end of the previous epsiode, I gave a number of reasons why I think it is important to disseminate honest and accurate information about the naming of gemstones and minerals. I briefly summarize them again.

Besides being very confusing that there are many names in circulation for the same mineral, sometimes the use of fancy names can actually cause problems or risks. I mentioned the examples of realgar in “Bumblebee jasper” and chrysotile in “Silver-eyed serpentine.

Another reason is misleading buyers for marketing purposes. Using exciting names and stories in order to sell very normal material or even low-grade, poorly marketable material, or lookalikes for a lot of money. Like Chinese nuummite, for example. And finally, the misidentification of stones so that composition and properties of the stone in question do not match the descriptions. I mentioned the example of kiwi jasper which is not jasper at all but a micro granite consisting of 5 different minerals.

Gem or Scam? Nuances

But, does using commercial or fantasy names always involve Scammite? If it is not told what it actually is, as in some of the examples I have given, then as far as I am concerned, it certainly is. However, there are some nuances to it.

Although from a mineralogical or geological point of view, for example, it does not matter to me what kind of jasper or agate I have in front of me, I understand that in the trade there is a need for separate names for the different colors and structures. At one time, for example, the name moss agate was also coined for chalcedony with mossy inclusions and that is now a well-established name. So I don’t think the introduction of new names like flower agate or orca agate is such a problem. But keep in mind that a strict boundary cannot always be drawn between all these different types and they are all still variations of chalcedony or quartz.

I do find misuse of the designation “jasper” for all sorts of variegated rocks of which we do not know exactly what it is problematic. I already gave the examples of Bumblebee jasper and kiwi jasper. I have therefore also recorded a separate podcast episode on jasper.

Like many treatments, many used trade names have now also been accepted by industry associations and normal practice in international trade for many years. Consider, for example, selenite, for the fibrous variety of gypsum, satin spar. Although from the point of view of mineralogy the designation “gypsum, variety satin spar” is strictly speaking the correct designation, in the trade and in booklets this form is mainly known as selenite. A designation that from mineralogy we basically reserve for a translucent variety of the mineral gypsum. So is this really deception or Scammite? I don’t think so. Should we prefer to call it satin spar? As far as I am concerned, yes, or at least use both names.

Moreover, it also matters from what perspective you look at naming. There is a difference in how naming is viewed from different disciplines, such as mineralogy, gemology, esotericism or trade. I often give as an example the well-known ‘ruby in zoisite’. Mineralogically you should actually call this ‘corundum, var. ruby in chromium zoisite with pargasite’, quite a mouthful. From petrology, rock science, this metamorphic rock is called “corundum-pargasite-zoisitite.’ Gemologists and jewelers also describe it as Anyolite in addition to ruby in zoisite, which is even how it appears in the CIBJO guideline. Anyolite, the local name from Tanzania, named after the Masai word for green, is also used in esotericism and trade alongside Tanganyika artstone. Then the designation ruby in zoisite is actually not at all crazy and quite obvious. And is Anyolite then misleading? No I don’t think so, but it is good to know that it is actually ruby in zoisite from Tanzania.

I completely understand that it is often not clear to an enthusiast whether the name used for a mineral, gemstone or rock is the recognized (scientific) name, a trademark or something made up, and some are fine with that. I have hopefully been able to clarify why I do think it is important to disseminate honest and accurate information about the naming of gemstones and minerals.

Gem or Scam? the book

Therefore, in my book I have compiled all kinds of knowledge and information from 40 years of experience and four years of research. The book contains over 500 descriptions of all kinds of names as mentioned above. I provide information about exactly what kind of gemstone, mineral or rock it is, its scientific name and whether it is a non-natural material or a certain treatment. It is mainly intended to support enthusiasts in the informed buying or selling of gemstones and minerals. I also hope it will contribute to a more uniform naming system in the Dutch (and international) language area. The book is now out of print (November 2024), but from the third quarter of 2025 the contents of the book (and much more than that) will be available 24/7 online in the Gem or Scam Library.

Then something about the implications of “Scammite”

For enthusiasts of stones, the current market creates increased doubt about the authenticity of stones. Especially when you still have insufficient knowledge of identifying and judging the authenticity of gemstones and minerals. This can lead to distrust towards sellers, especially now that there is so much focus on fakes and frauds or after a previous negative experience.

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 reputational damage, which can undermine growth and confidence in his or her business. In addition, the continued provision of Scammite sees an increase in the spread of misinformation in the market.

Then another thing I need to get off my chest

It will have become clear that I am an advocate of honest information about minerals and gemstones like no other. That’s why I wrote the book, give lectures about it and now pay attention to it in this podcast for a reason. 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 trade shows. However, I also see that in the process, sometimes heated discussions arise about scams, witch hunts, false accusations and so on. That cannot be the intention. Keep in mind the nuances I discussed above in this regard.

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 disclosed? Or is it, for example, about the use of strictly an incorrect but long-established name? 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 well known by 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 sellers , 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.

Finally, a few tips to protect yourself from Scammite

After the whole story about Scammite, you may be wondering, “How can I be sure I am 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 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 to investigate,” the seller also has a “duty to inform” (also legally) 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’s real. Although there are no standardized seals of approval for gem and mineral suppliers, 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 magnifying glass. A good magnifying glass or hand lens can help to see details and inclusions that are difficult to see with the naked eye, such as 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, specific gravity, 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 fakes and frauds, 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, my book and the services of Stack of Stones can also help you. The contents of the book (and much more than that) are now available 24/7 online at the Gem or Scam Library.

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