Gemstones have fascinated people for centuries — symbols of beauty, wealth, and power. But in today’s market, fake or treated gemstones are more common than ever.
Synthetic gems, glass imitations, and treated stones can look just like natural ones — even to trained eyes. That’s why knowing how to identify a real gemstone is essential before buying or wearing one.
At GemLabTesting.com, we specialize in accurate gemstone testing and certification, helping you distinguish genuine gems from artificial imitations with scientific precision.
Here’s your expert guide to spotting real vs fake gemstones.
Table of Contents
1. The Rise of Fake Gemstones
With growing demand, the gemstone industry has seen an increase in synthetic, lab-grown, and treated gems. These stones are designed to mimic natural ones in color and brilliance but lack their natural origin and energy.
Common Fake Gem Types:
- Glass stones colored to imitate sapphires or emeralds
- Synthetic rubies made using flame fusion methods
- Plastic or resin imitations for turquoise and amber
- Treated stones that undergo dyeing, heating, or filling to improve appearance
Without proper testing, it’s easy to mistake these for real gems — which can lead to overpaying or wearing an ineffective stone.
2. Visual Inspection: The First Step
While professional testing is the most accurate way to confirm authenticity, you can start with a basic visual check.
Here’s what to look for:
A. Check for Inclusions
Real gemstones usually have tiny natural inclusions (microscopic lines, dots, or crystals inside).
If a stone looks too perfect, it may be synthetic or glass.
💎 Example: A natural emerald often shows “jardin” (garden-like inclusions), while a fake one looks flawless.
B. Examine the Color
Natural gemstones have slight color variations — subtle shifts or uneven tones.
Fake stones or synthetics often show too uniform or overly bright colors.
💡 Tip: Compare the color under natural light. Artificial stones may appear unnaturally vibrant.
C. Surface and Edges
- Real gemstones are harder and have crisp, sharp facet edges.
- Fake stones (glass or resin) show rounded or dull edges due to softness.
- Look for scratches or bubbles — bubbles inside indicate glass or resin imitation.
3. The Touch Test
A simple test to begin with — feel the gemstone:
- Real gemstones are cool to the touch, even on warm days.
- Fake ones (plastic or glass) feel warmer quickly.
Hold the gem against your cheek — real stones retain coolness longer due to density.
4. The Scratch Test (Use with Caution)
Real gemstones are harder than glass, depending on their Mohs hardness scale.
For instance:
- Diamond: 10
- Ruby/Sapphire: 9
- Emerald: 7.5–8
- Glass: ~5
However, avoid scratching your gem yourself — you might damage it. It’s better to have this test done professionally at a gem lab.
5. Light and Transparency Test
Hold your gemstone against a light source:
- Real gems display a natural play of light, showing brilliance and depth.
- Fake gems might appear flat, overly bright, or cloudy.
Also check for double refraction (especially in rubies, sapphires, and topaz) using a magnifying glass — a real gem often refracts light differently from fakes.
6. Weight Test
Real gemstones are denser than imitations.
When you hold two similar-looking stones:
- The real one feels heavier than the fake.
- Plastic and glass stones feel lighter.
💠 Example: A real ruby will feel noticeably heavier than a red glass stone of the same size.
7. Heat and Water Test (Simple Check)
These DIY checks can sometimes help:
- Heat Test: Real gemstones can handle heat; fake ones (like plastic or resin) may get damaged or release odor.
- Water Test: Drop the stone in water — a real gemstone will sink quickly due to density, while lighter fakes may float or fall slowly.
⚠️ Caution: Don’t perform these tests on valuable stones without expert supervision.
8. Professional Gem Testing — The Only Reliable Way
While at-home tests give clues, only a certified gem testing lab can accurately confirm authenticity and origin.
At GemLabTesting.com, we use advanced gemological equipment and scientific analysis to determine whether a gemstone is:
- Natural
- Synthetic (Lab-grown)
- Treated (Heat, dye, fracture-filled)
Our Testing Methods Include:
| Test Type | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Refractive Index Measurement | Identifies the gemstone type |
| Specific Gravity Test | Distinguishes natural vs imitation |
| UV Fluorescence Test | Detects treatments or synthetics |
| Spectroscope Analysis | Reveals absorption patterns unique to each gem |
| Microscopic Examination | Detects inclusions, growth lines, and treatments |
| Infrared and Raman Spectroscopy | Determines origin and composition |
Every certified gemstone comes with a detailed Gem Identification Report, including:
- Gem type and variety
- Origin (Natural or Synthetic)
- Treatment status
- High-resolution gem photo
- Unique certificate number and QR code for online verification
9. Why Gem Certification Matters
A gemstone certificate is proof of authenticity and value.
When you buy or sell gemstones, having a certification from GemLabTesting.com helps you:
- Avoid fake or treated stones
- Know the true market value
- Build trust with customers and buyers
- Ensure correct astrological suitability
10. The Bottom Line
In today’s market, even experts can be fooled by high-quality imitations.
That’s why scientific testing and certification are the only ways to be 100% sure of your gemstone’s authenticity.
✨ Whether you’re a jeweler, astrologer, or gemstone enthusiast — trust GemLabTesting.com to uncover the truth behind every stone.
Conclusion
Every gemstone has a story — of the Earth, of energy, and of you.
But only a real, certified gemstone carries its full beauty and power.
At GemLabTesting.com, we use advanced instruments and expert gemologists to deliver accurate gemstone identification, certification, and verification services.
💎 Protect your trust, your investment, and your energy — get your gemstone tested today!