How to Check If a Gemstone Is Real or Fake – Expert Guide by OneStep Gems
by Nasir Ahmad on Jun 14, 2025

How to Check if a Gemstone is Real or Fake – A Complete Guide by OneStep Gems
Are you wondering how to check if a gemstone is real or fake? With so many synthetic and imitation gems flooding the market, it's more important than ever to understand gemstone authenticity, especially when making an investment in natural beauty.
At OneStep Gems, we believe in 100% natural, ethically sourced gemstones backed by transparency and lab certifications. In this complete guide, we’ll teach you how to identify real gemstones versus fake stones using both home methods and professional techniques.
Why Knowing the Difference Matters
- Protect Your Investment: Natural gemstones hold long-term value.
- Spiritual & Healing Properties: Only original gems carry natural energy and metaphysical benefits.
- Certification & Trust: You deserve full transparency on what you’re buying.
📌 Types of Gemstones: Know What You're Looking At
Understanding the types of gemstones is the first step:
Type | Description |
---|---|
Natural | Mined from the earth with minimal treatment. These are real, original gems. |
Synthetic | Lab-created, same composition as natural but not mined. |
Imitation (Fake) | Glass, resin, or plastic made to look like real gems. |
At OneStep Gems, we only deal in natural, untreated, certified gemstones.
How to Check If a Gemstone is Real at Home
1. Visual Inspection for Inclusions
-
Real gemstones usually have small inclusions or natural flaws.
-
If the stone looks perfect, it could be synthetic or fake.
Use a 10x jeweler's loupe to examine:
- Inclusions
- Color zoning
- Natural lines
- Bubbles (indicate glass)
2. The Fog Test
- Breathe on the gemstone.
- Real gems clear up almost instantly.
- Fakes, especially glass, stay foggy longer.
3. Weight Test
Use a precision scale:
- Natural stones have a higher density.
- Fakes (glass/plastic) are lighter in comparison.
4. Scratch Test (Be Cautious)
Gemstones like sapphire, ruby, and diamond are hard:
- Try scratching the surface lightly with a material of lower hardness (e.g., a copper coin).
- Real gemstones won't scratch easily. However, don’t use this on soft stones (e.g., opal, turquoise).
Professional Methods to Verify Gemstone Authenticity
5. Refractometer Test
Each gem has a unique refractive index:
- Diamond: ~2.42
- Moissanite: ~2.65
- Quartz: ~1.54
Professionals use this to identify real vs synthetic stones.
6. UV Light Fluorescence
Expose the gem to ultraviolet light:
- Real diamonds and rubies may glow.
- Fakes often don’t react or glow the right color.
7. Check for Gemstone Certification
Always demand a lab-certified report from recognized institutes like:
- GIA (Gemological Institute of America)
- IGI (International Gemological Institute)
- SSEF
- Gubelin
All OneStep Gems gemstones come with trusted certification, ensuring transparency and peace of mind.
Healing & Metaphysical Energies – Only in Real Gemstones
At OneStep Gems, we recognize that natural gemstones are often used for:
- Chakra healing
- Energy balancing
- Emotional clarity
- Grounding & protection
Synthetic or imitation stones lack these energetic properties, making natural gems the only choice for true spiritual seekers.
Common Fake Gemstone Tactics to Avoid
Imitation Method | Pretending to Be... |
---|---|
Dyed quartz | Emerald, ruby, amethyst |
Glass or plastic | Topaz, aquamarine |
Cubic zirconia | Diamond |
Doublets & triplets | Opal, garnet |
Tip: If a deal looks too good to be true, it usually is.
Expert Tip: Always Buy from Trusted Sellers
Never trust random or uncertified sources. Always choose trusted brands like OneStep Gems who:
- Share high-resolution photos and videos
- Offer complete lab certification
- Clearly mention origin, treatment, and clarity
FAQs – How to Tell if Your Gemstone is Fake or Real?
✅ Is a perfectly clear gemstone always fake?
Not always, but flawless stones are very rare in nature. Be cautious.
✅ Can I tell gemstone authenticity at home?
You can try basic tests (fog, loupe, weight), but for full confidence, get it certified.
✅ What is the most commonly faked gemstone?
Diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and sapphires are most frequently imitated due to high value.
✅ Are synthetic gems considered real?
They are chemically similar, but not natural. Always labeled as lab-created.
💎 Why Buy from OneStep Gems?
✅ 100% Natural Stones
✅ Certified by Trusted Gem Labs
✅ Detailed Product Information
✅ Worldwide Shipping
✅ Trusted by Collectors and Jewelers
Explore our range of certified natural gemstones at Onestep Gems – from Garnets and Amethysts to Afghan Tourmaline and more.
Conclusion
Now you know how to check gemstone originality, both at home and with professional tools. While small tests like the fog test or loupe examination help, nothing beats a certified report and a trusted source.
Choose authenticity, beauty, and peace of mind—only at OneStep Gems.