NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Break Open 4 Geodes Science Kit – Includes Goggles, Learning Guide, Display Stand, Great Mineralogy & Geology STEM Gift

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Synthetic gems have the same physical properties, chemical qualities, and visual appearance as the real deal. The contrast between an ordinary exterior and a spectacular shimmery interior has baffled the public, and geodes are most commonly used as scientific artifacts, natural décor, jewelry, and ornaments. Can Geodes Be Fake? Difference from Real Geodes Many people who collect these specimens do not necessarily have an in-depth knowledge of these differences as opposed to those who receive and study them. Precious gems are formed in different ways and composed of different materials, meaning their appearances vary vastly. Geodes have notably become one of the most mesmerizing enigmas for the world. While they serve as a source of precious scientific research material for geologists, they embody mystery and wonder for the general public. This has led to heightened demand for geodes, which resulted in the artificial manufacturing of fake geodes. But, there are real and fake geodes, so let us see what are the differences between them.

The interior cavity is what makes geodes so special, as it is lined with various types of mineral materials. These minerals create bands lining the interior cavity. In addition, there are many skilled artists who manufacture highly accurate imitations of rare geodes and market them at the value of the real thing. While this is not the ‘real deal, these are not necessarily fake. Since they are comprised of the same material compositions, have the same properties, and chemical compounds, they could still technically be seen as real. Other than geodes, a relative example of this would be lab-grown diamonds. This is due to the fact that synthetic gems are created by taking the knowledge of how the gem is formed naturally thanks to science, finding the same mineral contents as the genuine version needs, and manufacturing it in a reduced amount of time. This can result in an imitation geode or gem that is visibly identical to those created in nature.

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Synthetic gems have recently become more popular, as people have started realizing the harsh reality of the earth’s natural resource depletion. About the National Geographic Society: With a mission to inspire people to care about the planet, the National Geographic Society is one of the world's largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. Historically, gems have been divided into precious and semiprecious classes. There are a number of semiprecious gems, many quite beautiful, but diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds continue to qualify as "precious." (At one time, amethyst was also considered a precious gem, but large reserves were later found in Brazil, reducing its value.) Some geodes and gems are lab-grown, which is not a particularly bad thing since it helps lower the planet’s resource depletion, while still providing geode interiors of relatively good quality. Still, you should always know the true value of what you are purchasing.

Even expert gemologists, mineral collectors, and paleontologists have been fooled by how convincing these imitations can be. TIP: Another similar issue with geodes is they are often dyed. But how to identify dyed geodes? It can be a bit complicated so I wrote a simple guide on how to identify dyed geodes, feel free to read it here: While these may look gorgeous to the eye, there is no value other than having them as an art piece. While these do still take time, talent, and labor, standard art materials are commonly used to make these. There are various methods of manipulating heating and cooling to achieve similar properties during this process. This creates similar sheen and physical properties and occasionally intensifies colors. TIP: Geodes are sometimes explained as being a phenomenon. The value of a geode mostly depends on the worth of what is inside of it. Find out more in the article below:Diamonds, made of carbon atoms, are the hardest natural substance found on Earth. Formed under extremely high pressure hundreds of miles underground, they are found in very few locations around the world. Graphite is also made of carbon atoms, but with a different arrangement—explaining why diamond is the hardest mineral and graphite (used in pencil lead) is one of the softest. You may have to hand out some cash for this, but it’s better than getting swindled for a handful of craft-painted pebbles. Discover genuine crystal treasures in the world’s best geodes kit or build and erupt your own volcano. Create your own galaxy and explore space with the lumenescent moon and stars kit or excavate genuine dinosaur fossils. Make a glowing slime lab or uncover amethyst, quartz and tiger’s eye for your gemstone collection. Find three perfectly preserved insect specimens in the real bug dig kit or grow your own glow-in-the-dark crystals. But, there are many degrees of ‘fake’, and there are a few factors that are telling or some of these manufacturing methods. Synthetic or Lab-grown These include materials like pottery materials, ceramic, plastic, glass, or resin. These materials are manipulated into having the physical properties of the natural geode.

The exceptional range of beautifully illustrated educational products, marketed under the name of Smart Thinking and Smart Play, is fast becoming a favourite among teachers, therapists and parents nation-wide. Unfortunately, it’s nearly impossible to tell the difference between naturally produced and lab-produced gems and geodes. But, if you spot a geode that seems a tad too perfect to have been naturally formed, then odds are that it was probably made in a lab. Still did not find the answer to your answers about the differences between real and fake geodes? Find frequently asked questions in the section below: Where Are Fake Geodes Produced Most Often? Due to the high level of accuracy in manufacturing imitation geodes, it’s becoming increasingly more challenging to spot fakes or manmade versions. Rubies are formed of a mineral called corundum, comprised of aluminum oxide. The red color is caused by traces of chromium. Corundum also forms sapphire in many colors, which generally come from trace mixtures of iron, titanium, and chromium.Geodes can form with a variety of crystals inside and National Geographic has searched the globe to bring you the best variety of geodes. This earth science kit provides a hands-on science experiment that you and your children are guaranteed to love. Sometimes this interior is not as marvelous in appearance and can contain types of sediment such as chalcedony and microcrystalline instead of glimmering gems.