Tiger Eye are popular all over the globe due to their golden-brown color and sparkling appearance. It is worth mentioning that these natural stone slabs not only add elegance to a home or a building but also provide strength and flexibility. But with the increase in the demand for the products, there are many fake products in the market. If you are considering investing in these beautiful slabs then you need to know how to spot the real ones.
- Search for the Individual Chatoyancy: The most characteristic property of Tiger Eye slabs is their chatoyancy, often called the ‘cat’s eye’ effect. When you have light falling on the surface, the material has a smooth and shimmering effect like liquid. Real slabs will have a chatoyancy effect while the fake ones may have a flat or no shine at all.
- Examine the Color Variations: Slabs that are real will have golden, brown, and honey colors with natural longitudinal and transverse stripes and patterns. These changes are normal and only enhance the look of the stone. Imitation slabs could have a color or a pattern that is too uniform and almost too realistic.
- The Test for Hardness and Durability: Tiger Eye is a tough gemstone, falling under 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. This makes it not easily scratched or damaged by day-to-day use. To check its genuineness, gently use a steel item to drag a part of the slab’s surface. If it can be scratched easily, then it may not be the real one.
- Look for the Natural Faults: In the natural slabs, there can be seen small damages such as cracks, inclusions, etc. Each of these surface irregularities is formed during the creation of the stone and is a mark of the genuine article. Synthetic slabs do not possess these characteristics; they look very smooth and perfect.
- Weight and Density: Real Tiger Eye are thick and heavier than the fake ones. If you are picking up a slab, then they should give a very good and strong textured feel when you hold it. Lightweight slabs can be made of cheaper materials, such as resin or composites.
- Seek Certification: It is expected that a reliable seller should give a certification of authenticity. This document confirms the provenance and quality of the Tiger Eye Slab. One should only buy products from reputable suppliers who disclose information about the product.
- Consult an Expert: Still unsure what to do? Seek help from a professional. Only a gemologist or an expert in natural stones can assist you in confirming the genuine nature of the slab. Their trained eyes can even pick the slightest contrast between the real and fake slabs.
- Observe Price Trends: Real Tiger Eye Slabs are costly because they are natural and attractive in shape and size. Similarly, if you are offered a deal that appears to be a steal, it most likely is not. Prices lower than normal can be an indication of a fake or substandard product.
- Trust Reputable Suppliers: The choice should be made between reliable suppliers, and this is where Fusion Gemstones India can be relied on. They have built a reputation for providing quality stones, guaranteeing that every stone sold is genuinely a quality product. When you buy from the right sources, you will not be duped into buying counterfeit products.