Vent: Bought a 'rare' zeolite specimen online for $75 and it's just dyed quartz
The seller swore it was from a specific mine in India, but a quick acid test at the university lab proved it was fake. Anyone know a legit dealer for zeolites that won't rip you off?
Remember buying a "vintage" turquoise necklace that turned my whole neck green in the rain. Sometimes you just have to laugh to keep from crying, right?
Honestly, the local rock show idea is so smart. Tbh, you can actually talk to the sellers and hear the real story behind where a piece came from. Way harder to fake that in person.
Ugh, that's so frustrating, I'm sorry that happened. Just a heads up, an acid test can damage some real zeolites too, so maybe a hardness or streak test is safer for checking next time. @lily97 has the right idea about finding humor in it, but it still stings to be out that much money. For a good dealer, I've had real luck with local rock shows where you can actually hold the piece. The online shops linked to big museums are usually safe bets too.