Editor’s Note
**Editor’s Note:** This article provides an expert overview of gemstone testing methods, highlighting the complexity and specialized expertise required for accurate identification. Amid renewed interest following the opening of the Jagannath Temple treasury, readers are reminded that only certified professionals can reliably distinguish real from fake gemstones.
Identifying real and fake gemstones is a very difficult and complex task. However, there are several methods and tools for identifying gemstones like emerald, diamond, sapphire, and coral. Still, testing can only be done by certified experts specialized in this field. Here, we learn about the methods and tools for testing gemstones.
The treasury of the Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, is being opened, which is currently in the news. After about 48 years, the temple’s gem vault will be opened. Over these years, a significant amount of gold, silver, and various types of gemstones have accumulated in this store. It was last opened on May 13, 1978.
At that time, the gold and silver jewelry and gemstones stored in the vault were counted and examined. This time too, when the vault opens, all jewelry, gold and silver items, and the precious gemstones, diamonds, emeralds, and pearls set in them will be counted and tested. This raises the question: who tests these gemstones, and how is it determined which are real and which are fake?
Renowned gemologist from Jaipur, Tushar Soni, provided information on this matter. He explained that when such temple gem vaults are opened, a team of experts and gemologists is present. All experts are duly specialized in identifying and testing gemstones and hold certificates for it. No ordinary person can identify gemstones.
Tushar said that he himself once went as an expert to test the precious gemstones found in the gem vault of the Shirdi Sai Temple. He stated that whether a gemstone is real or fake can only be determined after testing in a gem testing laboratory. Only someone who has completed a course in gemology and gained expertise in this field can test gemstones. Therefore, when a large quantity of gemstones is tested, many experts are present, each with different tools for testing different gemstones.
Now the question arises: what exactly are real and fake gemstones, and what are the methods and tools for testing and examining them?
These are formed by natural geological processes over millions of years. They are often extracted from the earth and may contain some imperfections or inclusions, which indicate their authenticity. Natural gemstones are rare and highly valuable due to their unique characteristics.
These are created in a laboratory using advanced technology to mimic the chemical, physical, and optical properties of natural gemstones. Although not naturally occurring, synthetic gemstones are similar in appearance to real gemstones and can be difficult to identify without professional equipment.
Fake gemstones are materials that imitate the appearance of real gemstones but are made from cheaper substances like glass, plastic, or composite materials. They lack the chemical and physical properties of genuine gemstones and are often used in low-cost jewelry.
