How to Check if a Gemstone is Real?

Buying a gemstone—especially for astrological purposes—is a significant decision. With the presence of synthetic, treated, and imitation stones in the market, it has become increasingly difficult for customers to identify whether a gemstone is real or fake.

This guide will help you understand how to verify gemstone authenticity, what to look for, and what to avoid.

Unlike common products, gemstones cannot be judged by appearance alone. Many synthetic or treated stones are made to look extremely attractive—sometimes even better than natural gemstones.

This is where most buyers get confused.

• Fake stones often look too perfect, too clean, and too vibrant
• Natural gemstones usually have minor inclusions and natural characteristics

If a gemstone looks “too good to be true”, it is often either synthetic, heavily treated or fake.

One of the biggest indicators of a fake or treated gemstone is unrealistically low pricing.

For example:

• A flawless, bright Yellow Sapphire or Ruby at a very low price
• A large-size gemstone with perfect clarity at a heavy discount

These are major red flags.

Natural gemstones—especially untreated ones—are rare and valuable, and their price reflects their quality.

Many customers think a perfect-looking gemstone is the best—but in reality:

Natural gemstones often contain inclusions

• Tiny internal marks
• Feather-like structures
• Natural growth patterns

These inclusions are proof that the gemstone is formed naturally inside the earth.

Completely flawless stones are either:

• Extremely rare and expensive
• Or synthetic/treated

The most reliable way to verify a gemstone is through a gemological certificate issued by a reputed laboratories like IGI, GJI, GIA, IIGJ, IGI-GTL etc.

A proper certificate confirms:

• Whether the gemstone is natural or synthetic
• Any treatment (heat, colour enhancement, etc.)
• Basic details like weight, dimensions, and identification

Always check the comments/remarks section in the certificate for treatments.

There are many videos and articles online suggesting DIY tests, such as:

• Scratch test
• Water test
• Fog test

These methods are not reliable or foolproof

In fact:

• Some tests can damage the gemstone
• Many synthetic stones can easily pass basic home tests

There is no shortcut method to accurately test gemstones at home

Only a trained gemologist using specialised tools can accurately identify:

• Natural vs synthetic gemstone
• Presence of treatments
• Origin and internal structure

Advanced testing should always be done by an experienced & professional gemologist that requires

• Microscopic analysis
• Spectroscopy
• Refractive index testing etc.

Since gemstone verification is complex, the safest approach is:

• Buy from a trusted and reputed gemstone dealer
• Ensure proper certification is provided
• Avoid deals that look unrealistic

This reduces the risk of:

• Buying fake or synthetic stones
• Overpaying for treated gemstones

At Shubh Gems, we follow strict quality standards to ensure complete trust and transparency:

• Only natural, untreated gemstones for astrological purposes
• Certified gemstones from reputed laboratories
• Lifetime guarantee of authenticity
• Expert guidance by experienced gemstone professionals