Mineral/gemstone imitation

Rhinestone (or glass crystal)

Silicon dioxide (if glass) / Various

Clear, faceted, high luster, brittle. Hardness varies depending on material (glass is typically 5.5-7 on Mohs scale).

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Physical properties

Clear, faceted, high luster, brittle. Hardness varies depending on material (glass is typically 5.5-7 on Mohs scale).

Manufactured. Typically cast or cut from glass, lead crystal, or acrylic to imitate diamonds or other gemstones.

Used primarily in costume jewelry, clothing embellishment, and crafts.

Historically, rhinestones were rock crystals gathered from the river Rhine (hence the name). Today, they are mass-produced from glass or polymers.

Identify by uniform facets, possible foil backing, lack of inclusions common in natural stones, and lower refractive index compared to diamond.

Diamond (or Cubic Zirconia)

Carbon (C) or Zirconium Dioxide (ZrO2)

Turquoise (possible Howlite imitation)

Hydrated phosphate of copper and aluminium (CuAl6(PO4)4(OH)8·4H2O)

Chrysocolla and Malachite Beads

Hydrated copper silicates (Chrysocolla) and Copper carbonate hydroxide (Malachite)

Faceted Diamond / Moissanite / Cubic Zirconia

Carbon (C) if Diamond, Silicon Carbide (SiC) if Moissanite

Turquoise (Dyed Howlite or Magnesite imitation)

Hydrated phosphate of copper and aluminum / CuAl6(PO4)4(OH)8·4H2O

Pearl

Biogenic Calcium Carbonate (Aragonite/Calcite), CaCO3