【Bihar, India】Superstition Creates a Huge Market, Most Gemstones in Bihar Come from Jaipur

When the whole world is running on faith in a higher power, how can the market not run? The market for fortune-telling in the name of God is quite large. Along with this, the market is flooded with items that claim to bring positive energy everywhere and open the doors to progress. If planets and constellations are bringing difficulties into life, then remedies to control them are also available in the market. Whether the Sun is angry or Saturn is retrograde, everyone can be brought back on track. All this work is done by small, colorful stones. There is no fixed rate for these in the market. The rate depends on the customer. The situation is such that even roadside vendors selling colored stones for five to ten rupees claim that this can change one’s fortune. Meanwhile, sellers in large showrooms make the same claims.

In the city, various items are sold in large quantities in the name of God. The desire for superstition and belief in luck has given it the shape of a large market. Because of this, there is a tremendous boom in the market all the time. If you want to see this spectacle, go to any corner of the city. You will find shops decorated with such items everywhere. The prices of the items are also heavily charged. There is a big market for pictures and idols of deities of every religion. Along with this, the sale of items related to worship is also booming. Items decorated with pictures of God are being sold easily at exorbitant prices.

Pawan Kumar, an employee at a gem shop on Boring Road, said that while shopping, one should keep several points in mind.

Randhir Kumar, owner of Bihar’s only gem testing center, Gem Testing Center in Bakarganj, says that if you buy any gem, don’t be troubled.

Side Effect: Available from five rupees to ten thousand per carat

Bihari Sav Lane has the largest trade in planetary gemstones. Those running the shops here, on condition of anonymity, say that in the business of planetary gemstones, there is no fixed rate for any gem. So far, no standard for rates has been set. You will get gems from five rupees per carat to ten thousand rupees per carat. Sometimes the rate also depends on the customers. Due to the tendency of customers to buy at cheap rates, there is a possibility of being cheated. Pearls, sapphires, and topaz are among the most expensive gems.

Most gemstones in Bihar come from Jaipur. From street vendors to import-export related businessmen, people have been in this trade for a long time. Gem sellers say that this business operates from several cities in Rajasthan. From Jodhpur to Jaipur and other cities, there are businessmen who deliver to Bihar. The capital of Rajasthan is known globally as the largest market for planetary gemstones, from where supplies are also made to foreign countries.

You should know that there is also a center in the capital to test gemstones. If you have even a little doubt or distrust, you can get the gems tested. This facility is available at the Gem Testing Center in Bakarganj, opposite DS Complex, Thakurbari Market. There you will be given a laboratory test report. In 15 minutes, you will be given the stone’s name, weight, shape and cut, dimensions, color, transparency, spectroscopic view, specific gravity, refractive index, microscopic view, hardness, group, and comments.

Since ancient times, planetary gemstones have been used by humans. Now, with the increase in technology, duplicate gems are also coming. The use of modern technology is so advanced these days that it is very difficult to identify synthetic gemstones by traditional methods. New technology is needed to identify them. The gem trade in Bihar is increasing day by day, but a major obstacle was that there was no scientific organization that could test, certify, and authenticate gemstones. However, in the last month of 2012, the Gem Testing Center (GTC) opened in Bihar, where there is a testing laboratory and efforts are being made to make people aware about the facts regarding gemstones.