The Ultimate Guide to Buy Authentic Ruby Gemstones Online
Ruby, also known as Manik, is a powerful and stunning gemstone, valued for its astrological benefits and striking appearance. Celebrities like Taylor Swift have worn ruby jewellery, from her ring at the Golden Globes to her iconic ‘T’ ruby pendant at the Grammy Awards, making bold fashion statements.
However, with rising demand, the market is flooded with fake or treated rubies that mimic real ones. A natural ruby has unique characteristics that set it apart. This guide will help you identify authentic rubies using nine simple tests and understand gemstone certifications so you can shop online with confidence.
8 Natural Ways To Check If The Ruby Stone Is Real
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Observe the Colour: A genuine ruby has a deep red hue, often called "pigeon’s blood red," with a slight bluish tint due to its natural chromium content. While minor colour variations are normal, a ruby that looks overly bright, neon-like, or has an unnaturally even tone may be synthetic or treated.
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Check the Weight: Real rubies are dense and feel heavier than they appear. If a stone feels too light, it may be a fake made of plastic or composite materials.
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Look for Natural Inclusions: Natural rubies contain tiny inclusions, such as fine rutile silk (thin needle-like lines) or minute crystal spots, formed over time. Using a jeweller’s loupe (10x magnification), you should see these imperfections. In contrast, synthetic rubies often appear flawless with overly perfect geometry.
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Test for Hardness (Scratch Test): Ranking 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, rubies are among the hardest gemstones, second only to diamonds. A simple scratch test using a coin, glass, or steel knife can help verify authenticity—real rubies remain unscathed, while fake ones (especially glass or plastic imitations) may show scratches or damage.
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Ultraviolet Light Test: Under UV light, a real ruby will emit a deep red glow and may display a star-like reflection (asterism) in high-quality stones. Fake rubies may look either too dull or unnaturally bright.
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Water Drop Test: A genuine ruby has a smooth, non-porous surface that repels water. Place a small drop of water on the stone—if it holds its shape instead of spreading out quickly, the ruby is likely real. If the water disperses or absorbs immediately, it may be a low-quality imitation.
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Heat Resistance Test: Natural rubies form under extreme heat and pressure, making them highly heat-resistant. To test, heat the stone with a lighter for about 30 seconds and allow it to cool. A real ruby remains unchanged, whereas a fake one (especially glass or plastic) may develop cracks, change colour, or even shatter.
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Always Ask for Certification: Before purchasing a ruby online, ensure it comes with a certification from a trusted gemological institute such as:
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- Gemological Institute of America (GIA)
- International Gemological Institute (IGI)
- Gemological Institute of India (GII)
- American Gemological Laboratories (AGL)
Certified rubies undergo rigorous testing to confirm their authenticity, origin, and any treatments, giving you peace of mind when buying online.
Choosing a Real Manik Stone Online
Buying a real Ruby gemstone requires careful evaluation. By conducting visual inspections, performing basic tests, and verifying certification, you can ensure you're investing in an authentic, high-quality gemstone rather than a synthetic imitation.
If you're unsure which ruby suits you best, consulting Astrologer Saahil Kohli can help you get valuable insights. He can guide you on whether a ruby is suitable for you, the ideal karat to buy, and how to wear it for maximum benefits.
For the safest purchase, buy Manik stones from reputable sellers who provide complete product details and insist on a certification report to guarantee authenticity.
