Editor’s Note
Banaras Hindu University has launched India’s most advanced gem testing lab, capable of verifying the purity of diamonds, gold, and precious stones in just 10 minutes. The lab will issue globally recognized certificates, boosting the international credibility and export potential of Indian gemstones and jewelry.
A state-of-the-art gem testing laboratory, the most advanced in India, has been inaugurated at Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in Varanasi. The lab can check the purity of diamonds, gold, and all precious stones within 10 minutes. A certificate of purity will be issued, which will have global approval.
With this, gemstones and jewelry made in India can now be exported to foreign markets without hesitation. Indian precious stones will gain international recognition. Until now, India relied on labs in other countries, especially Singapore, for such certifications.
A significant aspect is that scientists, businessmen, and the general public can all visit the lab. They no longer need to travel to Singapore or the USA for sample testing. The lab can determine the quality and purity of gold or diamonds, their origin, the age of the metal, the elements present, and the carat weight of gold. All these questions will be answered within just 10 minutes.
Three machines have been installed in the lab for quality checks. A rate list for testing has been released and is uploaded at the link: https://www.sathibhu.org/cms/modus-operandi/30. Different rates have been set for BHU research professors, non-BHU scientists, and industry professionals.
Dr. Vivek Kumar Pandey, a scientist working at the lab, explained that the two testing machines, costing ₹8 crore, take a nano-fragment of the precious gem and convert it into gas form. Then, an electromagnetic laser machine passes various rays through it. The effect on the metal is displayed and analyzed.
The lab is established in the Central Discovery Center, built at a cost of ₹125 crore at BHU.
Dr. Vivek Kumar Pandey further stated that every object has a unique fingerprint, known as CNSOH (Carbon, Nitrogen, Sulfur, Oxygen, and Hydrogen). This is a chemical character found in all living and non-living things on Earth.
The machine tests these chemical elements, i.e., isotopes. The geographical and climatic conditions directly affect living and non-living things everywhere. The lab can reveal the effects of weather on an object and the climatic changes over thousands of years.
Prof. Anil Kumar Tripathi, Director of the Institute of Science, said that the lab is established in the Central Discovery Center, built at a cost of ₹125 crore. This is the most advanced lab started by the government in the country. Similar labs exist in Surat, Pune, Jaipur, etc., but tests that were not possible there required going abroad. BHU’s advanced lab will conduct all types of tests. Industries from Banaras Beads and others in Varanasi are approaching us. Now, we will not need to go to Singapore.
Rajesh Bhatia, National Secretary of the Indian Industries Association, said that the entire India was untouched by such a lab. From astrologers to common people, everyone is connected to gemstones. Everyone wants to know the difference between real and fake. With this lab, BHU’s revenue will increase by crores.
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