You can easily verify authenticity with a simple test. Start by cutting a 6 x 6 cm square from polystyrene foam to serve as a floating device. Fill a plastic container with water and gently place the foam floater in it, ensuring it doesn’t touch the sides. Position the turquoise stone in the center of the floater. Next, take a strong magnet and bring it close to the stone. If the turquoise is genuine, the magnet will attract it, causing the floater to move toward the magnet. If it’s a fake, the stone will either remain still or drift away from the magnet. This method works just as well for garnets; if they are real, they will be attracted to the magnet, while glass will not.

photo credits: Monica Vinader

Our director developed an innovative technique for assessing density, imperfections, and mineral content in natural stone, inspired by a desire to avoid the laborious task of cutting large stone blocks. He pondered whether it was possible to "see" within the stone instead. This groundbreaking method earned him a patent in 1996 and continues to be utilized by quarries today. It employs high-frequency sound waves that penetrate the stone; any internal obstacles and abnormalities alter the sound's speed and trajectory. A computer processes this information, creating a detailed map of the stone's interior.

Mineralogy is a branch of geology focused on the scientific exploration of minerals, examining their chemical composition, crystal structures, and physical properties, including optical characteristics. This field encompasses various studies, such as the origins and formation processes of minerals, their classification, geographical distribution, and practical applications.