Identifying a real Red Coral (Moonga) gemstone at home involves several simple techniques. Here are practical methods to determine its authenticity:
1. Visual Inspection
- Color: Genuine Red Coral has a consistent, deep red to reddish-orange color. The color should be even throughout the stone without any blotches or patches.
- Surface Texture: Real Red Coral has a smooth, glassy surface. Look for any cracks, pits, or holes which may indicate an imitation.
- Luster: Genuine Red Coral should have a vitreous to dull luster. It should not be overly shiny like plastic or glass.
2. Touch and Temperature Test
- Cool to Touch: Real Red Coral is cool to the touch and should remain cool for some time before warming up in your hand.
- Smoothness: Rub the gemstone gently. A real Red Coral will feel smooth without any grainy or rough texture.
3. Density and Weight
- Heaviness: Red Coral is relatively dense. A genuine piece will feel heavier than a similarly sized piece of plastic or glass.
4. Magnification
- Natural Patterns: Use a magnifying glass or jeweler’s loupe to inspect the stone. Look for natural wood-like grain patterns that are typical in real Coral. Synthetic Corals often lack these intricate patterns.
- No Bubbles: Check for tiny bubbles inside the stone. Bubbles usually indicate a synthetic or glass imitation.
5. Hardness Test
- Scratch Test: Real Red Coral has a hardness of 3.5 on the Mohs scale. Use a copper coin or a fingernail to lightly scratch an inconspicuous part of the stone. The real Coral should not scratch easily compared to softer materials but may still show some wear due to its relatively lower hardness.
6. Acid Test
- Reaction to Acid: Place a drop of lemon juice or vinegar on the stone. If it's real Coral, there might be a slight effervescence or fizzing as real Coral is composed of calcium carbonate which reacts with acid. However, this test can damage the stone, so it should be done cautiously or avoided if possible.
7. Water Test
- Immersion: Place the stone in water. Genuine Red Coral will not change its color or appearance when wet. Some imitations may lose color or show signs of dye.
8. Heat Test
- Heat Resistance: Gently heat the stone with a lighter for a few seconds. Real Red Coral will not emit any plastic or chemical smell and should not melt. Avoid applying too much heat as it can damage the stone.
9. Consultation and Certification
- Expert Consultation: While home tests can provide indications, the most reliable way to confirm the authenticity of Red Coral is by consulting a certified gemologist or getting the stone tested at a reputable gem lab.
- Certification: Always ask for a gemstone certificate from a recognized authority when purchasing Red Coral. This certificate verifies the authenticity and quality of the stone.
Conclusion
By performing these tests, you can gain confidence in the authenticity of your Red Coral (Moonga). However, for the most accurate results, seek professional evaluation and certification. This ensures that you have a genuine and high-quality gemstone.
Even better you can buy the stone from a reputable seller. You can buy high quality Red Coral (Moonga) at affordable prices from Vedic Crystals
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/ +91-9811809967 (Whatsapp).
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