Gemstone Identification at Rock and Gem Shows

Gem shows range from tightly curated collector events to open markets where treated, enhanced, and outright synthetic material mingles with legitimate specimens. Bring a 10x loupe, a UV flashlight, and a hardness set. For colored stones: ask sellers directly about treatments (heat, fracture filling, coating, irradiation) — legitimate dealers disclose this. Red flags: suspiciously uniform color with no inclusions or zoning, labeled locality that doesn't match the mineral (e.g., "Burmese" turquoise — turquoise does not come from Burma in quantity), and prices significantly below market. When in doubt, buy from dealers with return policies.