This is the place to discuss fakes and fraud in the mineral world.

Some 'fakes' are perfectly legitimate - synthetic crystals grown in a lab and described as such when sold (as in the photo above). They are pretty, inexpensive and the crystals are real crystals.

Other natural specimens may have been treated without disclosure to change appearance and improve value. If that's not disclosed when sold that's what we call fraud.

If you have a problem with a mineral you bought please try to resolve it amicably with the dealer first before coming here. Be aware that such discussions may be edited, or removed, without warning if we feel that it is detrimental to our community in any way.