An anti-counterfeit system comprises an item with at least one marker affixed thereto. The marker comprises a chemical signature having at least one chemical, and indicates the source of the item. The marker is detectable in the item to reveal whether the item is authentic or counterfeit. In at least one embodiment, the marker comprises a chemical signature that is unique to a particular entity and is affixed to items authentic to that entity. Further, a method of determining the authenticity of an item comprises isolating an item for testing, determining the presence of a marker, analyzing the marker for a chemical signature, comparing the results of the analysis to a chemical signature unique to a particular entity, and determining from the comparison whether the item is authentic or counterfeit. In some embodiments, the method further comprises quantifying the results of the analysis, such as the chemical(s) discovered therein.