How to Identify Genuine Gemstones vs. Synthetic or Fake Ones

You paid ₹40,000 for a “Natural Neelam.” You wore it for six months. Nothing changed. No career boost, no relief from Saturn’s malefic effects — nothing. The uncomfortable truth? There is a high chance you were sold a synthetic stone or a heavily treated one that carries no astrological value.

This guide by the experts at Ratna Kendra, Lucknow — a trusted gemstone store since 1972 — will teach you exactly how to identify original gemstones vs fake ones before you spend a single rupee. We cover certificates, inclusions, price signals, at-home tests, and where to buy certified natural stones with verified lab reports.

| Real Case at Ratna Kendra: Several clients who visited us had previously paid ₹30,000–₹50,000 for “original” rubies and sapphires from unverified sellers. Lab testing revealed they were glass-filled or synthetic. Getting a proper GIA/IGI-certified stone made all the difference in their experience.

What Is the Difference Between a Real vs Fake Gemstone?

A natural gemstone formed entirely by nature over millions of years. It is formed by minerals with unique physical and optical properties. It is mine from the earth and might be cut, polished and treated to enhance its colour, but the substance is 100% natural.

A fake gemstone is an artificial stone. It is prepared like natural gemstones without natural formation. It is created in a laboratory with chemicals and extreme heat.

It is a bit difficult to find out the difference between fake and original gemstones because they might look extremely similar.

Due to different physical properties and astrological values, their market price also varies. Ratna Kendra stated that natural gemstones carry vibrational energy from the earth. It can never be replaced with a synthetic stone.

For astrology users in India, this matters deeply because gemstone effectiveness depends on natural origin.

Types of Fake Gemstones Found in the Indian Market

Not all fake stones are fakes in the same way. The Indian market — especially in open bazaars — has at least four distinct categories of non-original gemstones that are routinely sold as “natural.” Knowing the difference protects you:

• Synthetic Gemstones: They are prepared in the lab using the same chemical composition as the natural stones. For example, synthetic Ruby has the same chemical formula as the Burmese Ruby.
• Imitation Gemstones: They are completely different in properties, but they look like the target stones. For example, Glass is sold as Emerald.
• Treated Natural Stone: It is genuine, but of low quality. Natural stone that is heated, filled with glass, etc., to improve its appearance.
• Doublet/Triplet: It is a layered stone. A thin slice of a real gemstone bonded on the top of glass or synthetic material.

Understanding all categories looks much easier, but it is difficult to find out in the real world. According to GJEPC’s 2024 industry data, synthetic and imitation stones account for approximately ₹3,200 crore in annual revenue from uninformed buyers in India alone.

Actionable tip: Always ask for a lab certificate before paying, especially for Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, and Diamond substitutes.

How to Identify Original Gemstones: The Inclusion Test

Here is what most buyers do not know: a perfect-looking gemstone is often a red flag, not a green one. Natural gemstones formed over millions of years carry internal “birthmarks” called inclusions — tiny natural imperfections that prove geological origin.

Synthetic and fake stones often look unnaturally flawless, or have uniform, machine-made patterns inside them. With a 10x magnifying loupe — available for ₹200–500 on any marketplace — you can check these yourself.

How Do You Read a Gemstone Certificate to Confirm It Is Genuine?

Whenever you bring a gemstone, make sure to check the general laboratory certificates. There are three kinds of certificates named GIA (Gemological Institute of America), IGI (International Gemological Institute), or GII (Gemological Institute of India). All these types of certificates contain the following, so make sure to check them-

Report number: Every certificate has a “Unique report number”. You can check it on the official website. If it is found on the website, it is real and natural.

Special and variety: Original stone comes with a state like “Corundum – Ruby: or “Beryl – Emerald,: not just “Ruby” or “Emerald.”

Treatment field: “None”, which means untreated natural. If any other entry, it means treated stone.

Origin field:  For high-value stones, origin matters. Burma Ruby, Ceylon Sapphire, and Colombian Emerald, etc.

Weight (Carats): Must match the stone you are physically holding. 

Photo: Most premium certificates include a photo of the actual stone, so match it carefully.

How Much Does an Original Gemstone Cost in India?

The cost of an original gemstone in India varies. It depends on the cut, weight, origin and treatment. The price of a gemstone is one of the biggest indicators of authenticity.

According to the GIA India Report, 2023, natural gemstones can cost 2–5 times more than synthetic ones. So, you can compare it.

Price Comparison 

• Synthetic Ruby: ₹500–₹2,000
• Natural Ruby: ₹5,000–₹5,00,000
• Synthetic Emerald: ₹300–₹1,500
• Natural Emerald: ₹2,000–₹2,00,000

At Ratna Kendra’s data shows, many of our clients get cheap gemstones that are fake, that does not give any result to them. It is like buying gold at half price. Obviously, there is something wrong with it.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Identify an Original Gemstone Before Buying

• Ask for a Lab Certificate First — Before Everything Else

Only accept GIA, IGI, or GII certificates. Ask for the report number and verify it online before negotiating price.

• Check the Treatment Field on the Certificate

“None” means untreated and natural. Any other entry reduces astrological value significantly. Do not be misled by “only slightly heated.”

• Examine Inclusions with a 10x Loupe

Look for natural internal features: crystals, needles, fingerprint-pockets. Uniform patterns, bubbles, or swirls suggest synthetic or glass.

• Compare the Price with Market Rates

Use the price table above as a benchmark. Prices far below market range signal synthetic or heavily treated stones.

• Test Temperature Response

Natural gemstones (especially sapphires and rubies) feel cooler to the touch than glass imitations. Hold the stone against your cheek — glass warms quickly; a real stone stays cool longer.

• Consult an Astrological Gemologist Before Wearing

Different planetary placements need different stones. An expert ensures you buy the right stone — not just a genuine one but the one suited to your horoscope. Book a consultation with Ratna Kendra’s experts.

Also Read: Find Your Perfect Gemstone: A Beginner’s Guide to Matching Skin Tone

Conclusion

For those wearing gemstones for Vedic astrology, the origin question is non-negotiable. Natural gemstones carry vibrational energy accumulated over millions of years of geological formation — a connection to the earth’s minerals and, by extension, to planetary energies they are associated with.

A synthetic stone — however chemically identical — is formed in weeks under artificial conditions. It carries no such vibrational history. In astrological terms, it cannot absorb, amplify, or transmit the frequency of its ruling planet to the wearer.

Ratna Kendra combines expertise with astrology to guide you to a better gemstone. We provide authentic, certified natural gemstones, which are backed by a real lab report. If you are not aware of your gemstone, then you can consult our expert today and make an informed decision. Bring your suitable gemstone with you.