Crystal beads have become increasingly popular in recent years for use in jewelry, home decor, and spiritual practices. But there is some debate around whether many so-called “crystal beads” actually contain real crystalline material or are just colorful glass. In this article, we’ll explore what crystal beads are, how they are made, and how to tell if a crystal bead is real or not.
What Are Crystal Beads?
The term “crystal bead” is broadly used to refer to any type of bead that is made to resemble a crystalline material like quartz, tourmaline, or amethyst. However, true crystal beads are made from slices or pieces of real crystalline minerals that are drilled and strung to make beads. The crystals can be natural or synthetic in origin.
Natural crystal beads are made from actual quartz, tourmaline, calcite, and other mineral crystals that are mined from the earth. The crystals are cut, polished, drilled, and turned into round or shaped beads. Natural crystal beads can be very expensive due to the value and scarcity of natural mineral crystals.
Synthetic crystal beads are manufactured from crystallized compounds and materials. The most common type of synthetic crystal bead is quartz, made by heating silicon dioxide to produce crystalline quartz material. Other synthetic crystals like cubic zirconia and moissanite are also made into beads. Synthetic beads have the same chemical composition and physical structure as natural crystals but are manufactured in a lab.
How Are Crystal Beads Made?
The processes used to turn raw crystals into polished crystal beads involves several steps:
- Mining and extracting rough crystals from the earth.
- Cutting and shaping the raw crystal rocks into workable sizes and shapes.
- Grinding, sanding, and polishing to smooth the surfaces and facets of the crystals.
- Drilling holes in the crystals to turn them into beads.
- Stringing the drilled crystals onto jewelry cord or wire.
- Adding clasps or crimp beads to finish the beads into jewelry.
Natural crystal beads go through this sequence of steps. Synthetic crystal beads skip the mining and extraction steps since the crystalline material is manufactured directly in a factory.
The cutting of raw crystal rocks into beads can be done by laser cutting machines or standard lapidary wheels. Gentle grinding and sanding wheels smooth out the surfaces while polishing compounds add shine and luster. The drilling is meticulously done, usually by hand, to avoid shattering the crystals. Finished crystal beads may be round, flat, faceted, coin-shaped, oval, or take on fanciful cuts.
How to Tell if Crystal Beads are Real
With so many crystal-like beads on the market, how do you know if a bead is made from real crystal or is just an imitation? Here are some tips for determining if beads are real crystals:
- Look at color uniformity – Real crystal beads will be homogenous in color throughout rather than color-coated.
- Examine inclusions – Natural crystals will often have inclusions, markings, or mineral deposits visible inside.
- Consider surface shine – Glass and plastic beads are transparent and shiny while real crystals have more muted natural lusters.
- Check hardness – Gently try to scratch the bead with your fingernail or glass. Real crystals will be much harder than glass or acrylic beads.
- Evaluate weight – The density of real crystals gives them more heft than imitation beads of equivalent size.
- Watch for bubbles – Air bubbles are a sign of molten glass production rather than crystalline growth.
You can also look for signs of wear and use like nicks, faded areas, or chipped facets since synthetic and glass beads tend to look pristine. Consult a jeweler if you need help distinguishing real crystal from high-quality crystal simulants.
Examples of Popular Crystal Beads
Here are some of the most common types of real crystal beads used in jewelry-making today:
| Crystal | Properties | Color Variations |
|---|---|---|
| Quartz | Silicon dioxide crystal; hard, durable | Clear, smoky, rose, citrine, amethyst |
| Agate | Silicon dioxide with mineral bands; takes polish | All color combinations in bands |
| Aventurine | Quartz with mica inclusions; shimmery | Green, blue, orange, red |
| Jasper | Silicon dioxide microcrystalline quartz | Red, yellow, green, patterned |
| Tiger’s Eye | Fibrous quartz replacement of asbestos | Golden brown with chatoyance |
| Obsidian | Volcanic glass | Black, brown, green, purple |
| Rhodochrosite | Manganese carbonate | Pink, red, white banded |
| Turquoise | Hydrated phosphate mineral | Blue, blue-green |
| Malachite | Copper carbonate | Green with banding |
| Labradorite | Plagioclase feldspar | Iridescent blue/green/gold |
These are just a few examples of the many crystal varieties that can be turned into beads. The geological diversity of crystals makes for endless possibilities of crystal bead types and colors.
Are Crystal Beads Natural, Synthetic, or Simulated?
With the rising popularity of crystal beads, there is a range of quality and authenticity in crystal beads on the market:
- Natural crystal beads – These are made from true crystalline minerals that originated in the earth. They go through cutting, polishing, and drilling to turn raw crystals into beads.
- Synthetic crystal beads – Synthetic crystals like cubic zirconia have the same physical and chemical make-up as natural crystals but are manufactured in a lab.
- Simulated crystal beads – Beads made from glass, acrylic, or plastic to imitate the look of natural crystals but don’t have a true crystalline structure.
Reputable bead makers and jewelry companies will correctly label beads as natural, synthetic, or simulated. Look for terms like “genuine crystal”, “synthetic quartz”, “crystallized glass”, or “crystal-inspired” to help identify what type of crystal bead is being offered.
How to Care for Crystal Beads
Crystal beads, especially natural stones, require some care to keep them looking their best:
- Store crystal bead jewelry in soft cloth bags or compartments to prevent scratches.
- Clean periodically with mild soap and water, avoiding harsh chemicals.
- Keep away from extreme heat which can cause fractures and cracks.
- Re-string loose beads to prevent rubbing and chipping.
- Take off crystal jewelry before physical activities, sleeping, or bathing.
- Examine periodically for loose strings, wear, or damage.
Some beads like turquoise and opal require more care due to their fragile composition. Consult a jeweler if you have concerns about the durability of specific crystal types.
Where to Buy Crystal Beads
You can find both natural and synthetic crystal beads for sale from these sources:
- Bead shops – Specialty bead stores offer a wide selection of beads for jewelry-making, including crystal.
- Craft stores – Many general craft stores sell beads including crystal varieties.
- Online bead retailers – There are numerous online sellers offering bulk beads and crystals.
- Etsy shops – Artisan jewelers on Etsy often sell unique handmade crystal bead jewelry.
- Rock and mineral shows – These exhibitions have vendors selling crystals, minerals, and beads.
- New Age shops – Stores focused on healing crystals and spirituality tend to carry crystal beads.
When purchasing crystal beads, especially for higher values, only buy from reputable sellers that provide information on the source and authenticity of the crystals.
Conclusion
Crystal beads remain popular for their beauty, spiritual symbolism, and association with healing practices. While glass bead imposters abound, real crystal beads derive from natural or synthetic minerals and bring unique properties to jewelry. With care and proper treatment, genuine crystal beads can become lasting wardrobe treasures or tools for personal practice. By learning to identify real crystal and understanding the options, you can pick beads with confidence.