How to Identify Fake Gemstones
Complete Guide to Spotting Synthetic & Imitation Gems
Why This Guide Matters
The gemstone market in India is flooded with fakes. Studies suggest that up to 60% of gemstones sold in unorganized markets are fake or treated. When you're buying a gemstone for astrological purposes, authenticity is everything - a fake stone won't have any planetary benefits!
This comprehensive guide will teach you the same techniques that professional gemologists use to identify fake gemstones. Whether you're buying a Blue Sapphire (Neelam) or Ruby (Manik), these skills will protect you from fraud.
Common Gemstone Frauds in India
- - Glass sold as gems: Colored glass pieces sold as rubies, emeralds
- - Treated stones: Heat-treated or filled stones sold as natural
- - Synthetic as natural: Lab-created gems passed off as mined stones
- - Wrong gem entirely: Red garnet sold as ruby, blue spinel as sapphire
- - Composite stones: Doublets and triplets sold as solid gems
6 Tests to Identify Fake Gemstones
Visual Inspection
Natural gemstones have inclusions, color zoning, and slight imperfections. Perfect clarity often indicates a fake.
- βLook for tiny inclusions under magnification
- βCheck for color banding or zoning
- βPerfect gems are usually synthetic
- βCompare with certified reference stones
Temperature Test
Real gemstones feel cool to touch and take time to warm up. Glass and plastic warm up quickly.
- βTouch stone to your cheek - real gems feel cold
- βGlass warms up within seconds
- βDiamonds stay cool longer than imitations
- βUse a gem testing thermometer for accuracy
Weight Test
Genuine gemstones have specific gravity. Fakes often feel lighter or heavier than expected.
- βCompare weight with similar sized real gems
- βCubic zirconia is 75% heavier than diamond
- βGlass is usually lighter than real gems
- βUse a precision scale for accurate measurement
UV Light Test
Many gemstones have distinctive fluorescence under UV light that helps identify them.
- βNatural rubies often fluoresce red under UV
- βSome sapphires show chalky blue glow
- βSynthetic gems may have unusual fluorescence
- βAbsence of fluorescence isn't always conclusive
Hardness Test
Use the Mohs hardness scale. Real gems should resist scratching from softer materials.
- βDiamond scratches all other materials
- βRuby/Sapphire should scratch topaz
- βGlass scratches easily (hardness 5-6)
- βNever scratch test valuable gems
Refraction Test
Real gemstones bend light in specific ways. A refractometer can measure this precisely.
- βEach gemstone has unique refractive index
- βDiamonds have high dispersion (fire)
- βDoublets show separation line under magnification
- βProfessional testing recommended
Gem-Specific Identification Guide
Ruby (Manik)
Common Fakes
- - Glass
- - Synthetic Ruby
- - Red Garnet
- - Red Spinel
Signs of Real
Silk inclusions, color zoning, asterism in star rubies
Red Flags
Perfect clarity, too cheap, uniform color throughout
Blue Sapphire (Neelam)
Common Fakes
- - Glass
- - Synthetic Sapphire
- - Blue Spinel
- - Kyanite
Signs of Real
Silk inclusions, fingerprint inclusions, color zoning
Red Flags
Bubble inclusions, too bright blue, extremely low price
Emerald (Panna)
Common Fakes
- - Glass
- - Green Beryl
- - Synthetic Emerald
- - Green Tourmaline
Signs of Real
Jardin (garden) inclusions, three-phase inclusions
Red Flags
No inclusions (real emeralds always have some), too perfect
Yellow Sapphire (Pukhraj)
Common Fakes
- - Citrine
- - Yellow Topaz
- - Synthetic Sapphire
- - Glass
Signs of Real
Silk inclusions, feather inclusions, specific gravity 4.0
Red Flags
Too yellow/orange, bubble inclusions, low price for size
Pearl (Moti)
Common Fakes
- - Plastic Pearls
- - Glass Pearls
- - Shell Pearls
- - Coated Beads
Signs of Real
Gritty tooth test, surface imperfections, weight consistency
Red Flags
Too perfect, smooth tooth test, paint peeling
Cat's Eye (Lehsunia)
Common Fakes
- - Fiber Optic Glass
- - Synthetic Cat's Eye
- - Quartz Cat's Eye
Signs of Real
Sharp chatoyancy, needle-like inclusions, specific gravity
Red Flags
Multiple cat's eye lines, perfect centering, low price
Trusted Certification Labs
Always buy certified gemstones. Here are the most trusted gemological laboratories:
GIA
Gemological Institute of America
Gold StandardIGI
International Gemological Institute
Widely TrustedGΓΌbelin
GΓΌbelin Gem Lab
Premium Swiss LabSSEF
Swiss Gemmological Institute
Highly RespectedGRS
GemResearch Swisslab
Color Origin SpecialistGII
Gem Identification Laboratory India
Trusted in IndiaPro Tips from Our Gemologists
- 1If it's too cheap, it's fake. Natural gemstones have real costs - mining, cutting, certification.
- 2Always ask for certification. No certificate = high risk of fraud.
- 3Buy from reputable sellers. Established stores have reputation to protect.
- 4Get a second opinion. Take expensive purchases to an independent gemologist.
- 5Learn the market prices. Know what gems should cost per carat.
Shop 100% Authentic Gemstones
All GrahaGuru Shop gemstones come with lab certification. No fakes, no treatments - guaranteed!