Experts Warn of Fake Healing Crystals Flooding the Market

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The healing crystal and gemstone industry has seen a boom in recent years, fueled in part by social media, but experts are warning buyers to be cautious of fake products flooding the market. Jamie Inglett, who owns a crystal shop in Sedona, Arizona, says consumers can find counterfeit crystals in stores and at gem shows, and recommends asking questions about origin and authenticity to avoid costly mistakes.

Why it matters

The crystal craze has exploded online, with #crystals generating 20 billion views on TikTok, leading to a rise in counterfeit products being sold to unsuspecting consumers. This issue highlights the need for buyers to be more discerning when purchasing crystals and gemstones, as fake products can be difficult to spot and may not offer the same benefits as authentic natural stones.

The details

Inglett says buyers could end up with lab-grown crystals sold as natural stones, or completely synthetic items made from plastic or glass. She recommends physical tests to help identify fake crystals, such as checking for differences in sound, temperature, and natural textures and grooves. Shannon Wimberly, a crystal collector, says she has encountered fake crystals and now scrutinizes purchases more carefully.

• The healing crystal and gemstone industry has seen a boom in recent years, fueled in part by social media.
• #crystals has generated 20 billion views on TikTok.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Inglett recommends that consumers ask questions about the origin and authenticity of crystals and gemstones, and perform physical tests to help identify fake products.