Hematite vs. Black Pearls: How to Spot the Difference

Question
How can I tell a hematite (pearl shape) from a real black/tahitian pearl?  

Answer
Hi, Katherine. Thanks for the question.

I will give you several differences in pearl and hematite and you can look for each.  Even if the pearl shape beads or parts are a fake hematite, many of these differences will still apply.

First of all, hematite is a stone and pearl is an organically produced gem, grown in an oyster. The surface characteristics are quite different.  The hematite is cut and polished to get the pearl shape and the pearl is grown to that shape. The surface of the stone will be smoothly polished and uniform. The pearl surface will be nice if a fine pearl but not so perfect as the stone item. The pearl will show some ripples and flaws when viewed closely. This is a natural surface while the hematite is cut and polished.

The shine of hematite will look like shiny metal and the pearl will be much less shiny.  The shine of the stone surface will be the main color feature. With the pearl, a close look will show subdued colors of gray, blue, green and perhaps others which seem to come from just below the surface.

Rub a pearl on the front teeth..gently. A pearl will almost always have a slight gritty feel. A polished stone like hematite will be smooth to the teeth.

Look at the holes if drilled for beads. The pearl surface is not very thick and if you can see into the hole with good light, the inside is a core and is a different color. You might see some slight chips of the surface layer of the pearl at the drill holes.  The stone will be the same color through and thorough.

Hematite is also heavy like a piece of metal and a pearl is rather lightweight in comparison.

I do hope this helps.  If you can go to a jewelry store and see some black pearls, Tahitian pearls or even white pearls closely, you will see how the surface of the pearls is totally different than that of polished metallic looking stone hematite.

God Bless and Peace.     Thomas.

If you can get two next to each other, you will never mistake one for the other again. The differences are that great!