Instruction
1
Dyed agates appeared in ancient times: the stones were weathered in honey, and then progulivali in the oven. Now used for coloring a variety of chemical compounds are not as harmless as honey. Nitrate of iron gives Agatha a rich red color, hydrochloric acid – yellow, salt, chrome green, potassium ferrocyanide and iron sulfate – shades of blue. It is unlikely that after such aggressive treatment, the agate will retain their medicinal and magical properties. Therefore, buying agate, pay attention to color. If it is too bright, acidic, and layers too contrasting, the stone painted artificially. From buying better to abstain.
2
Fake agate are often made of glass or plastic. Glass with addition of painting substances in a certain way to cut it is difficult to distinguish from natural agate. Imitation stone, plastic, made in the home of colored translucent polymer clay. It is molded, cut, baked in the oven and grind. A little experience and imagination – and you can recreate the internal structure of the crystal of agate, and colored layers. To recognize counterfeits of glass or plastic, squeeze them in your hand. They will quickly heat up, while natural stone needs to stay cold.
3
In the sale, very often the imitation of pressed black agate stone chips. It is believed that the magical properties of black agate unusually strong, it gives the owner strength, fortitude and power over evil. It is easy to guess that the extruded and painted stone crumb of these properties is not. Buying necklaces, bracelets, or beads of black agate, keep in mind that natural stone is always layered and is not a uniform color. Stripes of different shades of black can be combined with white, gray, red. Try to scratch with a needle from the holes of the beads. Extruded agate fragile, it will crumble and break away.