Wow, that is really too bad. I don't like the fake stones either. What's worse is that some reputable crystal shops inadvertently sell the fake stuff, so we always have to be on the lookout!

I didn't know there was fake Carnelian. But I did hear that if you suspect a stone of being dyed, particularly agate, you can sit the stone in a bowl of water for a few hours and see if the water turns color. The dye can sometimes seep out.