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Metals and Other Materials - How Can A Genuine Diamond Be Identified?

How can a genuine diamond be identified?

There are several tests that can be performed to determine whether or not a diamond is real, without the aid of tools. To the trained eye, a genuine diamond can be told by its shine, by the straightness and flatness of its surfaces, and by the way it reflects light.

A simple test to determine authenticity is to expose the stones to warm and cold surroundings. After each exposure touch the stones to your lips. True diamonds become warm if the surroundings are warm and cool if the surroundings are cool. This test is especially effective if the results are compared to the results obtained using a diamond known to be genuine.

Another test is to attempt to pick up the stone with a moistened fingertip. If this can be done, then the stone is likely to be a diamond. Most other stones cannot be picked up in this way.

A third test is the water test, in which one...

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