up close photo of the imperfections inside a clear quartz tower

How to Buy Authentic Crystals: What to Look For & What to Ask

August 27 2025, by Brian Campbell, 4 min reading time

Beware of overly bright or neon colors (especially in quartz). While some stones like Fluorite or Malachite are naturally vibrant, many “too good to be true” colors are artificially dyed. A reputable crystal store should be able to tell you where the stone was sourced, whether it has been treated, and what to expect energetically.

🔮 Why Authentic Crystals Matter

In today’s crystal market, not every stone you see is genuine. Many shops sell dyed, lab-created, or glass imitations marketed as crystals. If you’re searching for real crystals near you, it’s essential to know how to identify authentic crystals before making a purchase.

At Raven’s Cauldron, your trusted crystal store in Delaware, Ohio, we are dedicated to sourcing only real crystals and providing education to help you shop with confidence.

🌍 What to Look for When Buying Real Crystals

1. Natural Variations

Authentic crystals will have unique imperfections — color banding, inclusions, or slight shape irregularities. If it looks too perfect, it may be fake or lab-grown.

2. Weight and Temperature

Real crystals feel cool to the touch and heavier than glass. Hold the piece in your hand — does it feel dense and grounding? That’s a good sign it’s genuine.

3. Color Clues

Beware of overly bright or neon colors (especially in quartz). While some stones like Fluorite or Malachite are naturally vibrant, many “too good to be true” colors are artificially dyed.

4. Seller Transparency

A reputable crystal store should be able to tell you where the stone was sourced, whether it has been treated, and what to expect energetically.

Azurite with Malachite Specimen - Rough - Raven's Cauldron

❓ Questions to Ask Before Buying Crystals

When shopping for authentic crystals, don’t be afraid to ask questions. A trustworthy shop will be happy to answer.

Where was this crystal mined?
Has this stone been dyed or heat-treated?
Is this a natural specimen or man-made (like opalite or goldstone)?
How do you source your crystals?
Can you explain its metaphysical properties?

If the shop can’t answer these questions, you may not be dealing with real crystals.

🏪 Why Raven’s Cauldron is Trusted for Authentic Crystals

At Raven’s Cauldron, we pride ourselves on being a trusted crystal store near Delaware, Ohio, with both in-person and online shopping options. Our community chooses us because:

✔ All crystals are carefully sourced — authenticity guaranteed.
✔ Education is a priority — we’ll help you understand each crystal’s story.
✔ Variety matters — from common favorites to unique specimens, our shelves are stocked with genuine pieces.
✔ Customer trust — shoppers know they’ll find only real crystals here.

Whether you’re just starting your journey or seeking rare finds, we carry a wide range of authentic crystals for every practice.

🛒 Where to Buy Authentic Crystals

If you’ve been searching for:

real crystals near me
crystal stores near me
crystal store near Delaware Ohio

Look no further than Raven’s Cauldron. We offer:

Tumbled and raw stones
Carved shapes
Towers, spheres, and clusters
Authentic crystals for collectors and beginners alike

Museum Quality Specimens at Raven's Cauldron

Butterfly Wings - Amethyst - Museum Quality - Raven's Cauldron

✨ Final Thoughts

Buying crystals should be a joyful and empowering experience. By knowing what to look for and what to ask, you can ensure you’re adding only authentic crystals to your collection. Whether in-store or online, Raven’s Cauldron is here to help you find the perfect piece for your journey.