If you are not certain of a stone's identity, what should you do?

• A. Test with a handheld loupe only
• B. Submit it to a gemological laboratory for identification
• C. Estimate identity by appearance
• D. Discard the stone

Answer: (B)

When you’re unsure of a stone’s identity, submitting it to a gemological laboratory for identification is the prudent step. Labs use standardized, objective methods and a range of instruments to determine the exact species, variety, any treatments or enhancements, and whether the stone is natural or lab-grown. Visual inspection alone can be misleading because many gems look alike, and some treatments aren’t detectable without specialized equipment. A laboratory report provides a reliable determination and, if applicable, a certificate that covers identity, treatments, and origin, which is important for valuation, insurance, and resale. Relying on a handheld loupe or guessing from appearance can lead to misidentification, and discarding the stone isn’t necessary or advisable.