Four Key Dimensions to Identify Genuine Porcupine Bezoars
1. Colour
- Genuine: Naturally varied colours (brown, dark brown, bluish-gray, black, reddish-brown, etc.), uneven surface colour, slightly rough texture with natural luster.
- Fake: Artificially dyed, uniform and glossy surface, unnatural texture.
- Testing Method: Rub with a damp cloth or alcohol swab; if colour comes off or stains hands, likely fake.
2. External Structure
- Genuine: Mostly flat-round, oval, or irregular spherical shapes; naturally uneven surface, possibly with cracks or peeling.
- Fake: Mold-pressed or hand-rolled, uniform shapes and sizes, regular patterns.
- Testing Method: Use a magnifying glass to observe natural fiber crystallization and fine cracks; fakes often have matte or artificial lacquered surfaces.
3. Internal Texture
- Genuine: Smooth layered structure when cut, no obvious gaps between layers, may release small amounts of powder when touched.
- Fake: Regular texture, often with noticeable layer gaps, orderly arrangement.
4. Taste
- Genuine: Initially bitter then sweet, sometimes mild, sometimes persistent sweet-bitter, sometimes slightly sour or woody aroma; may produce salivation under the tongue in 1–2 minutes.
- Fake: Often has a medicinal or chemical taste, no salivation effect.
High-Risk Signs of Fake Bezoars
- Entire batch has highly uniform colour
- No noticeable variation in taste
- Shapes and sizes are nearly identical
Conclusion: Genuine porcupine bezoars show significant variation, while fakes are highly uniform. Be cautious when purchasing a batch that looks "identical throughout."
