Most gemstone beads for jewelry making are enhanced to bring out color or stabilized to make them more durable, but they are still gemstones. They will mark them as glass or synthetic if not real...when in doubt just ask. Rock barrel is one of the most trusted names in around for quality, knowledge, and service. It is family owned for a couple generations...they really know their craft. I buy beads there all the time for my Etsy business.
Watch for the ones that say man made. Also, the people at the counter arw very knowledgeable and helpful. They typically know the stones by sight.
At the Rock Barrel everything is marked. They also have several book available throughout the store for reference. Last, when in doubt ask their staff, they know everything about the stones they sell.
Real crystals tend to be heavier than man made crystals.
The counter personnel are honest, and will tell you their opinion if you bring in a particular crystal ... they source their stones from all over the world ...
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