Very true, which is why I look for signs of patina just as I do for swords. Look near where the fingers are gripping on the top photo to see the black "desert varnish". That is several thousand years worth, typical of North American finds. The million-year old (plus or minus half a million) North African version has been sand blasted so long that individual layers of rock stand out. I know there are mint condition chipped stones out there, but just like with swords, I feel more confident buying the ones that look old. The old looking ones are cheaper, and usually indicate a surface find so they are also more ethical. Just as with swords, I am likely missing some gems that seem too good to be true, but I do like to know for sure when something is old.
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