How to Identify Authentic Gemstones vs Fake Gemstones

Truth, like a gemstone, reveals its beauty with time and attention. Across India, gemstones carry deep meaning as they are used in rituals, gifted in marriages, and worn for luck or health. But every sparkle tells a different story, and some stones may carry less truth than they claim. Markets are full of options, and some look almost too perfect. Before a stone becomes part of your life, it’s worth knowing if it is a fake gemstone or an authentic gemstone. Understanding what you’re buying becomes part of the journey.  

From simple at-home test methods to trusted lab checks, this guide brings you everything you need to walk into a purchase with confidence and clarity. Let’s explore the world behind every shine. 

Kinds of Fake Gemstones You Should Know About 

Here are the things that scammers do to create fake stones that are passed off as real ones: 

Synthetic creation 

These gemstones are grown in a lab, and the composition is almost the same, but they are made in a regulated environment in a very short period. They tend to look finer than a naturally obtained gemstone and more uniform with the rest of them. 

Glass and Rasin 

For imitating the look of quartz, emerald, or topaz, people often use glass and resin, as they are shinier and crystal clear. These stones may have bubbles because of the air trapped in them while they were being made in a controlled environment. 

Dyed and Colour Enhancing 

When the natural gemstone is not fully made and obtained before its time, it may have a porous surface, and the quality of the stone may also be poor. These stones are then dyed and polished to intensify the colour and mimic the real ones. 

Doublets or Triplets 

When natural stones are too small or in an odd shape, the sellers layer them with glass to enhance their appearance and make them larger for a better price. 

Heat Radiation treatment 

Sometimes, to improve the clarity or colour of a gemstone, people use heat on the surface to enhance it. Although the gemstone is the same, it is unethical to sell it as untreated. Treating the gemstone reduces its natural energy. 

Filling and Coating  

When the natural stone has cracks and fractures, the seller fills them with polyester and coats the surface for a better shine. 

Key Differences: Authentic vs Fake Gemstones 

Different types of gemstones show different kinds of characteristics. These are the key differences that can be seen in fake and authentic gems: 

Basis	Authentic Gemstones	Fake Gemstones
Inclusions & Flaws	Contain natural inclusions and growth-related fractures.	Often bubble-filled or displaying curves from melt processes.
Colour Consistency	Subtle colour zoning or slight variation across facets.	Uniform, overly vivid colour with no zoning.
Sparkle & Shine	It varies by gem type. Light reflection is in complex patterns.	Glassy or shallow sparkle. Light behaviour appears too perfect and lacks true dispersion.
Refractive Index (RI)	Specific to each species, often in a wide range. Slight natural RI variation within tolerances.	Glass simulants cluster around RI ≈ 1.50–1.60, with little variation.
Growth Patterns Under Magnification	Angular, irregular inclusions and natural fingerprints	Curved banding and swirl patterns. Spherical bubbles, often with “tails”.
Density (Weight)	They feel heavier in the hand for a given size.	Lower density and feels noticeably lighter.
Thermal Conductivity	Excellent heat conductors.	Poor conductors.
Reaction to Heat/UV	Withstands mild heat or UV exposure with no damage; some gems may fluoresce characteristic colours.	Glass/plastic may crack, discolour, or emit odour under heat.

How to Test and Identify Real Gemstones 

Authentication Tests 

To check the authentication of your gemstone, you can perform these simple tests on it: 

Check the hardness as per Moh’s Scale 

A real gemstone will not get scratched during a scratch test with a softer stone than itself. So, if you try to scratch a ruby (hardness 9) with glass (hardness around 5.5) and it leaves a mark, it’s probably not a ruby. 

Fog test 

If you breathe on your gemstone, the fog tends to go away in a few seconds, but when the gemstone is not real, it tends to stay for longer. 

Magnification Test 

With the help of a magnifying tool, you can check for fine lines and tiny flaws on the gemstones that form due to natural minerals.  

Certification Essentials 

Real gemstones always come with a certificate of authenticity, in which it is clearly stated if the gemstone is natural, treated, or synthetic. They also mention the origin, cut, weight, and clarity. 

Gem‑Specifics 

Different gemstones have unique signs of authenticity. Here are a few to remember: 

Diamonds 

Real diamonds are highly reflective and usually have laser inscriptions on the edge if certified. Fakes like cubic zirconia sparkle less and are softer. 

Emeralds 

Real emeralds often have natural cracks or inclusions. If an emerald looks too clear or perfect, it might be glass or synthetic. 

Rubies and Sapphires 

These belong to the same gem family (corundum) and are very hard. Look for tiny natural flaws. Fakes made with the flame-fusion method often show curved growth lines under magnification, which real stones don’t have. 

Opals 

Real opals have a unique colour play (rainbow-like flashes) that changes with light. Fake opals (like triplets or resin ones) often have a plastic-looking shine or layered structure visible from the side. 

Real Energy Takes Time 

The fake gemstones come into the market because gemstones have a very high demand, but the supply is limited. It takes thousands of years for a gemstone to be created naturally and a few days or weeks for it to be made in a lab. Even though the materials are identical and even more beautiful, they may give you a placebo effect, but a fake gemstone will never have the energy that a natural gemstone has for ages. Another reason is that people need affordable gems, and the lack of awareness of what is real and what is not makes these fake ones slide into this unregulated market more easily.  

Smart Tips for Buying Genuine Gemstones 

Here are some of the smart tips to buy genuine gemstones:  

• Choosing stones that come with reliable documentation ensures an informed and satisfying purchase experience. 

• Choose gemstones from reputable and well-reviewed jewellers or dealers who offer transparency in sourcing. 

• Always request a certification from a recognised gemological laboratory. 

• View the gemstone under good lighting to observe its colour, clarity, and sparkle from different angles. 

• Gently examine the gem’s weight and feel. It should carry a natural density and coolness. 

• Compare similar stones to understand price variations based on quality, cut, carat, and clarity. 

• Trust your instincts. If something feels rushed or unclear, it’s perfectly okay to take your time or walk away. 

• Consider discussing your purchase with a certified gemologist for added peace of mind. 

Conclusion 

Now that you know all the red flags in a fake gemstone and common tricks to find them out. It is probably time to put all this information to the test. Pick up your gemstones and start finding out if they are real or fake. Don’t have one? No need to worry; we have a fast solution for that as well. Koustubh Gems is a trusted place from where you can get your Gemstones with their authenticity certification. So, what are you waiting for? Browse through our collection of gemstones and order the ones that speak to your soul.