Many Sellers Advertise Products as "Natural"
But Most Are Processed Through Dyeing and Bonding
Difficult Returns and Refunds Lead to Growing Consumer Complaints
As Chinese crystals have gained popularity since the beginning of this year, the sale of fake crystals has become frequent.
On the 13th, multiple Chinese media outlets, including Zimu News, reported, "Many crystal sellers advertise their products as 'natural,' but many deceive customers through processing methods such as dyeing and bonding."
Mr. Wang, who recently purchased two crystal bracelets at an offline specialty store, told Zhonghua Net in an interview, "When I found out they were synthetic crystals and went to return them, the seller said, 'Synthetic crystals are also a type of crystal.' They also refused to accept the return, saying I did not confirm whether they were 'natural crystals' at the time of purchase," he complained.
Another consumer, Mr. Ryu, bought a crystal bracelet for 1888 yuan (about 380,000 KRW) from an online specialty store but later found out it was a mineral called 'actinolite.' However, the seller claimed that actinolite is the same type of mineral as crystal. Green crystals cost 20 to 50 yuan per gram (about 4,000 to 10,000 KRW), while actinolite costs 3 to 10 yuan per gram (about 600 to 2,000 KRW).
Mr. Li purchased a crystal bracelet for 250 yuan (about 50,000 KRW) from an online specialty store last December, but less than a month later, the surface of the bracelet peeled off, confirming it was a synthetic product. When he inquired with the seller, they refused returns and refunds, saying the return period had expired.
Industry insiders advertise crystals as having mind and body healing effects. Zhonghua Net pointed out, "There is no scientific evidence that crystals have healing abilities," adding, "Some companies exaggerate the effects of crystals in advertisements to boost sales and induce consumers to purchase."
Zimu News reported, "According to Article 50 of the Product Quality Law of the People's Republic of China, selling counterfeit products as genuine can result in administrative penalties such as confiscation of illegal income and fines," and "in severe cases, business licenses may be revoked."
Li Hongzhang, an executive at Beijing Guantao Law Firm, emphasized that consumers must save photos of the detailed product page from the seller, records of conversations with the seller, and photos taken when opening the box. He added, "Consumers should carefully verify and purchase products without being swayed by false advertising claims."
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