Associated with
the Planet Mars, Coral or Moonga is a gemstone that holds a lot of importance
in Vedic astrology. Though, it is
important to note that this vermilion or light red colored stone is not a
mineral. It is basically derived from the oceans and the seas asit is produced
by living organisms that live under the ocean.
There is no
denying that this precious gemstone
carries several amazing properties. But, over the years, fake coral stones are
being sold in the market in huge numbers. This makes it necessary to be aware
of the tests that one can perform to check the authenticity of a coral
gemstone.
Read on to know
how can you identify whether a red coral gemstone is real or fake.
Milk Test
An easy way to
check if a coral is real or not is to take a glass of milk and put the red coral gemstone
in it. If the color of the milk changes to red, then it may indicate a real
coral gemstone. This happens as the red color of the stone is radiated and gets
mixed in the milk. Thus, a simple test like this can help you ascertain the
authenticity of the coral gem.
Chemical Tests
Whether you are
planning to get a coral gemstone ring or pendant, it becomes important to be
sure of the genuineness of the stone. For this, you can perform a few chemical
tests. One way is to check with HCL ( Hydrochloric Acid). As Coral gemstone is
made up of Calcium Carbonate, it will lead to an effervescent bubbling action
when tested with HCL.
Likewise, a
natural coral gemstone will also react with HCL to produce CO2( Carbon Dioxide).
It will also react with a lime solution to produce white limestone.
Test to identify a dyed coral
If you want to
know whether or not the coral that you are planning to buy is a real one or
not, then all that you need to do is to dip an earbud in acetone and rub it on
a small area of the stone. If it has been dyed, then the color of the dye will
transfer a bit on the cotton bud. You can perform this test using a white piece
of cotton cloth as well, in case a cotton bud is unavailable.
Magnification Test
One more way to
check if a coral is genuine or not is to take a magnifying glass and a white
cloth. Put the coral gemstone on the cloth and look at it through the glass
under adequate light. If you see granules on the gemstone, then it is a fake
coral gemstone. Thus, remember that a magnification test will help you identify
a real coral if it is performed well and if you see an even and smooth surface
of the stone, without any granules, then it is a real coral.
Rubbing Test
One simple way
to check the genuineness of a red coral gemstone is to rub it with a fingernail.
If the gemstone makes a sound that is akin to rubbing your fingernail on a
glass, then it may hint at a fake coral gemstone made up of glass. You can also
click with a fingernail, instead of rubbing, if you want.
Infrared Spectroscopy
Also known as
Raman and Photoluminescence spectroscopy, Infrared Spectroscopy is one of the
most accurate tests to determine the authenticity of a red coral gemstone. This
test proves to be a strong analysis tool to identify the presence of artificial
dyes in a coral gem. This test is available at leading and accredited gem labs.
So, the next time you go to buy a coral stone, make
sure you get a coral certification from a lab that performs Infrared
Spectroscopy or Raman Spectroscopy.
Turmeric Test
In order to
check if a coral is genuine or not, you can take a piece of raw turmeric and
rub it on the gemstone. In case you find red marks on the turmeric, or if the
turmeric changes its color from yellow to red, then the coral might be a fake
one. Whereas, if the color of the turmeric remains the same, then it might be a
genuine red coral.
