In today’s gemstone market, it has become important to know the difference between real and imitation stones. Many sellers offer synthetic or artificial versions that closely resemble natural gems but lack their actual value, appearance, and energy. For buyers, using such stones can result in both financial and emotional loss.
Whether you are purchasing a gemstone for astrology, jewellery, or personal use, understanding the difference can help you make better decisions. This blog provides a simple and clear guide to help you identify fake vs original gemstones and avoid common mistakes during purchase.
Understanding Real vs Fake Gemstones – Key Differences
When buying gemstones, knowing the difference between real gemstones vs fake ones can help you avoid costly mistakes. While fake stones are made to closely resemble the original, there are specific ways to identify key differences between the two. Below are the main factors that set them apart:
Origin of Stones
Real gemstones are naturally formed in the earth over millions of years. Their formation involves a combination of pressure, temperature, and mineral elements found in specific geological conditions. Because of this natural process, every gemstone has unique characteristics and imperfections that cannot be artificially copied in the same way.
On the other hand, fake gemstones are usually man-made or synthetic. These are created in laboratories using chemicals, glass, plastic, or composite materials. While they may look similar to the original, they do not carry the natural energy, rarity, or geological value of a real gemstone.
Inclusions of Stones
Inclusions are one of the most telling signs of a real gemstone. These are tiny internal marks such as mineral traces, feather-like cracks, or small bubbles that form naturally within the stone during its growth. While some inclusions can affect the visual clarity, they often serve as proof of authenticity.
Fake or synthetic stones usually appear too perfect. They lack inclusions or have artificial ones that look different from natural flaws. In glass or plastic stones, bubbles may appear, but they are often uniformly shaped and placed unlike the irregular inclusions in genuine stones.
Color of Stones
Color can be a major giveaway when comparing fake vs real stones. Genuine gemstones often display deep, rich, yet slightly varied tones. For example, a natural emerald may show slight color zoning or tone variation under different lighting conditions.
Fake gemstones often have overly bright or even colors that look too perfect to be natural. These stones may be dyed or heat-treated to look more appealing, but their unnatural brightness or consistency makes them easier to identify with trained eyes.
Weight of Stones
The weight of a gemstone depends on its density. Natural stones are denser and therefore heavier than fake ones made from glass, plastic, or synthetic materials. When you hold a real gemstone in your hand, it will feel heavier compared to a fake one of the same size.
For example, a natural sapphire will weigh more than a lab-created sapphire or glass imitation. This difference becomes even more noticeable when comparing two gemstones side by side.
Value of Stones
Real gemstones carry both aesthetic and financial value. Because of their natural origin, rarity, and demand, they often maintain or increase in value over time, especially high-quality stones with certification. They are also believed to hold astrological and healing benefits, which adds to their worth.
Fake gemstones, however, have little to no resale value. They may look appealing at first but are often not durable, and their value drops immediately after purchase. Wearing a fake stone for astrological purposes may also not bring any results, making it a risky choice for serious buyers.
Below is a quick comparison between real and fake gemstones.
| Factor | Real Gemstones | Fake Gemstones |
| Origin | Naturally formed over millions of years | Man-made or synthetic (lab-created or glass) |
| Inclusions | Have natural flaws or internal marks | Often flawless or have artificial bubbles |
| Color | Rich, deep, and slightly varied shades | Overly bright, even, or dyed appearance |
| Weight | Heavier due to higher natural density | Lighter when compared in the same size |
| Value | Holds long-term value and astrological significance | Low resale value, no genuine benefits |
How to Identify Genuine Gemstones – Top 6 Methods
Identifying whether a gemstone is genuine or fake requires a mix of observation, simple tests, and, when needed, expert verification. Here are the most trusted methods to help you make a confident decision when choosing a gemstone.
Visual Inspection
Start by simply looking at the gemstone under natural daylight or bright white light. Real gemstones typically have natural imperfections like tiny inclusions, subtle color variations, or slight asymmetry. These are all signs that the stone came from the earth. If a gemstone appears too flawless, with a uniform shape, glass-like shine, and perfectly even color it could be man-made. Always remember: natural stones are rarely perfect.
Check for Inclusions Under Magnification
Use a jeweller’s loupe (10x magnifying glass) to inspect the stone up close. Real gemstones usually show internal characteristics like feather-shaped lines, mineral traces, or natural cracks. These inclusions are formed during the natural creation of the stone. In contrast, fake gemstones often look too clear. If you see gas bubbles or no inclusions at all, it may be a synthetic or glass-filled stone.
Water Drop Test
This simple test can be done at home. Place a small drop of water on the flat surface of the gemstone. On a real stone, the drop stays intact for a few seconds due to the high surface tension. On a fake or treated stone, especially one made of glass, the drop spreads quickly or runs off the surface because of a smoother texture or coating.
Fog Test
Breathe gently on the gemstone like you would fog up a mirror. Real gemstones have high thermal conductivity and will clear up in 1–2 seconds. If the fog stays longer, the stone may be fake or made from materials like plastic or glass. This is a quick way to spot the difference although not always foolproof, it’s a good first check.
Scratch Test (Only by Experts)
This method involves checking the hardness of the stone. For example, diamonds are the hardest and can scratch glass. Rubies and sapphires are also quite hard and will not scratch easily. However, softer materials like glass or resin can get scratched quickly. Since this test can cause damage to the gemstone or item, it should only be performed by professionals using proper tools.
Check Certification
This is the most reliable method to confirm a gemstone’s authenticity. Always ask for a certificate from a recognized gem testing laboratory (like GIA, IGI, or BIS-approved labs in India). A genuine certificate mentions details like the gemstone’s type, weight, origin, and any treatments it has undergone. When comparing fake vs original gemstones, certification is what sets real stones apart with full proof.
Most Common Types of Fake Gemstones
While buying gemstones, it’s easy to come across imitations that look very similar to natural stones. These fakes are often created to mislead buyers, especially those unfamiliar with gemstone quality. Below are the four most common types of fake gemstones found in the market:
Glass-Filled Gemstones
These are among the most misleading types of fake stones. In this method, low-quality natural stones (often rubies) are treated with colored glass to fill internal cracks and improve appearance. The result is a stone that looks clear and bright on the outside but is structurally weak and far less valuable.
Glass-filled gemstones can break or chip easily, especially under heat or pressure. They may also appear to have rainbow-like flashes when viewed under light. While they might look like high-quality originals, their durability and resale value are extremely low.
Synthetic Gemstones
Synthetic gemstones are created in laboratories but have the same chemical and physical properties as natural ones. They are not fake in appearance or structure, but since they are not naturally formed, they lack rarity and value.
Examples include synthetic sapphires, rubies, and emeralds. Visually, they often look cleaner and brighter than natural stones because they are made under controlled conditions. Although some sellers are transparent about selling synthetics, many pass them off as genuine to unknowing buyers.
Dyed Gemstones
Dyed gemstones are usually low-grade or colorless stones that are artificially colored to imitate high-value gems. For example, clear quartz can be dyed green to resemble emerald or blue to imitate sapphire. These stones may look attractive at first but can lose their color over time, especially when exposed to sunlight or chemicals.
You can often spot dyed stones by checking for uneven color distribution, especially around cracks or edges. A professional test can confirm if a stone has been dyed.
Cubic Zirconia (CZ)
Cubic Zirconia is one of the most common diamond substitutes. It’s a man-made stone that resembles a diamond in appearance but lacks the brilliance, hardness, and long-term durability of a real diamond.
While CZ is affordable and used in fashion jewelry, it holds no value in terms of investment or astrological benefits. Many people mistakenly buy CZ thinking it’s a real diamond due to its sparkle, but experts can easily tell the difference with basic tests.
Precautions to Take Before Buying a Gemstone
Buying a gemstone is not just about beauty, it’s an investment of money and belief. Whether you’re purchasing for astrological, healing, or ornamental purposes, taking the right precautions can protect you from ending up with a fake or low-quality stone. Here are some important steps every buyer should follow:
Buy from Trusted Sellers
Always choose a reputed jeweller or gemstone dealer with a verified background. Buying from trusted websites like HTP Gemstones ensures better quality, proper certification, and genuine products. Avoid street vendors or unknown online sources offering unrealistic discounts, as they often sell treated or synthetic stones without full disclosure.
Ask for a Lab Certification
One of the most reliable ways to ensure authenticity is to ask for a gemstone certificate issued by a recognized gem testing lab (such as GIA, IGI, or BIS-approved labs). The certificate should mention the gemstone’s type, weight, origin, treatment (if any), and whether it is natural or synthetic.
Check Return and Exchange Policy
A genuine seller will always provide a clear return or exchange policy. This is important in case you want to recheck the stone or replace it after testing. Avoid sellers who refuse returns or provide verbal guarantees only.
Avoid Extremely Low Prices
If a gemstone is being offered at a price much lower than the market rate, it’s likely to be fake, treated, or synthetic. High-quality, natural gemstones are rare and come at a price. Unrealistic deals often lead to disappointment.
Verify the Weight and Quality
Before finalizing the purchase, ensure that the stone’s weight (in carats or ratti) and physical appearance match what was promised. Check the cut, color, and clarity under good lighting. Also, ensure it is not filled, coated, or layered.
FAQ
1. How can I tell if a gemstone is real or fake at home?
You can try basic tests like the water drop test or fog test, and inspect the stone under bright light. Real gemstones often have natural imperfections and are heavier than fakes. However, for complete assurance, professional testing is recommended.
2. Are synthetic gemstones considered fake?
Synthetic gemstones are lab-created but have the same chemical structure as natural ones. While they are not fake in terms of composition, they are not naturally formed and lack the rarity and astrological value of natural gemstones.
3. Is certification important when buying a gemstone?
Yes, certification from a recognized gem testing laboratory is essential. It verifies the gemstone’s authenticity, treatment status, and origin, helping you avoid imitation or low-quality stones.
4. Can I use fake gemstones for astrology or healing?
Fake or treated gemstones are generally not recommended for astrological use, as they may not carry the natural energies believed to influence planetary effects. Only natural, untreated gemstones are preferred for such purposes.
5. Where can I buy genuine gemstones online?
You can buy certified and natural gemstones from trusted sources like HTP Gemstones, which offers lab-tested stones with full transparency and support.
Conclusion
Knowing the difference between fake and original gemstones is important for anyone purchasing a stone for personal use, jewellery, or astrology. Many imitation stones in the market look real but lack the quality, value, and natural energy of genuine ones.
By understanding the key differences, performing simple checks, and asking for certification, you can reduce the chances of buying a fake gemstone. Taking these precautions ensures that your investment is safe and that the gemstone you choose truly serves its purpose.
