How to Check Original Rudraksha: A Complete Guide to Identifying Genuine Rudraksha Beads

Rudraksha beads are considered sacred in Hinduism and other spiritual practices. Their unique properties are believed to promote spiritual growth, emotional balance, and physical well-being. However, with the growing demand for Rudraksha, there are many fake or artificially manufactured beads in the market. In this blog post, we’ll explore how to check the authenticity of Rudraksha and ensure you are buying a genuine bead.

1. Check the Number of Mukhi (Faces)

Each Rudraksha bead has natural lines or segments, called mukhis, running from one side of the bead to the other. Genuine Rudraksha will have clearly defined and continuous mukhis, without any artificial carvings or lines.

How to Check:

• Count the number of mukhis carefully.
• Use a magnifying glass to ensure the lines are natural and not manually carved or tampered with.

Common Mukhi Types:

• 1 Mukhi Rudraksha: Known for spiritual enlightenment.
• 5 Mukhi Rudraksha: Most common and used for health and well-being.

2. Perform the Water Test

The water test is one of the easiest ways to check for an original Rudraksha. This test determines if the Rudraksha has been tampered with or is made from synthetic material.

How to Do the Water Test:

1. Fill a glass of water.
2. Drop the Rudraksha bead into the water.
3. Observe if the bead sinks or floats.

• Genuine Rudraksha: Usually sinks to the bottom.
• Fake Rudraksha: May float, indicating it's made of wood or another lightweight material.

Note: While this test can be useful, it’s not 100% foolproof as some authentic Rudraksha beads may float due to their density.

3. Check for Natural Hole

A real Rudraksha has a naturally formed central hole through which it can be strung. The hole may appear slightly uneven or rough due to the natural growth of the bead.

How to Check:

• Inspect the hole to ensure it doesn’t look artificially drilled or too perfect.

4. Look for Natural Inclusions

Authentic Rudraksha beads have tiny imperfections or natural inclusions like internal cracks, air bubbles, or veils. These inclusions indicate the bead’s natural formation over time.

How to Check:

• Use a magnifying glass or jeweler’s loupe to look for fine internal cracks or air bubbles, which signify that the bead is real.

5. Conduct the Milk Test (Optional)

The milk test is an additional method for checking the purity of a Rudraksha. Some believe that genuine Rudraksha will absorb milk and change its color slightly.

How to Perform the Milk Test:

1. Soak the Rudraksha in a bowl of unboiled milk for a few hours.
2. If the milk changes color slightly, it indicates the bead is absorbing some of it, signifying its authenticity.

6. Lab Certification

One of the best ways to ensure the authenticity of your Rudraksha is to purchase it from a reputable source that provides a certificate of authenticity. Many gemstone and Rudraksha labs use X-ray or microscopic testing to confirm the number of mukhis and the internal structure of the bead.

How to Get a Lab Certification:

• Purchase from a reliable seller who provides lab-certified Rudraksha with authenticity certificates.

7. Check the Weight

Rudraksha beads are denser and heavier than plastic or wooden fakes. While you may not have a precise scale, simply holding the Rudraksha and feeling its weight can help identify a genuine bead.

How to Check:

• Hold the bead in your hand and feel its weight. If it feels unnaturally light, it may be fake.

8. Test the Bead’s Reaction to Fire

Some traditional methods recommend lightly exposing the bead to fire to test its authenticity. A genuine Rudraksha should not produce a foul smell or excessive smoke when lightly burned.

How to Perform the Fire Test:

• Expose the Rudraksha to a small flame for a brief moment and observe the reaction. Genuine beads should not melt or produce a strong odor.

Conclusion: Ensuring You Have a Genuine Rudraksha

Checking for an original Rudraksha involves using multiple methods, including the water test, examining the mukhis, and looking for natural inclusions. For guaranteed authenticity, always purchase from reputable sellers who offer lab certification. By following these tips, you can ensure that the Rudraksha bead you purchase is real, providing you with the spiritual, emotional, and physical benefits you seek.

Buy Original Rudraksha at Vedic Crystals website

For more information about Vedic Crystals and our range of gemstones and rudraksha beads, visit Vedic Crystals website or contact us at contactus@vediccrystals.com/ or click here to chat 

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