Red Coral, also known as Moonga, is a powerful gemstone representing the planet Mars. Due to its high demand in astrology and healing, the market is flooded with synthetic and dyed imitations. Wearing a fake stone not only wastes money but also fails to deliver any spiritual or astrological benefit.
In this blog, weÕll guide you through five simple and effective methods to identify an original Red Coral stone and avoid being misled by fakes.
1. Visual Inspection: Natural Texture and Color
Real Red Coral has an organic, slightly grainy surface and is not completely smooth. When you look closely, you may notice wood-like grains or natural markings. The color is deep, rich redÑneither too bright nor too dull. Fakes usually appear glassy or overly shiny.
Tips:
Look for uneven color distribution.
Avoid stones that look too polished or have bubbles inside.
2. The Milk Test
This is a popular home test. Place the Red Coral stone in a bowl of fresh cold milk. Let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes. If the milk changes color or turns pinkish, your stone might be dyed or treated.
Real Red Coral:
Will not alter the color of milk.
Remains stable and unaffected.
3. Magnifying Glass Test (10x Zoom)
Use a jeweler's loupe or a 10x magnifying glass to examine the surface. Genuine Red Coral will show natural pits, marks, or grains under the lens. Fake ones, especially plastic or glass, appear too perfect.
What to look for:
Organic marks, not cracks.
Natural imperfections are a good sign.
4. Acetone or Nail Polish Remover Test
Apply a small drop of acetone or nail polish remover to a cotton swab and gently rub it on the coral. If the stone leaves any red stain on the cotton, itÕs likely dyed or synthetic.
Original Moonga:
Will not lose color.
Will remain unchanged.
Caution: This test should be done carefully and only if you are willing to take the risk. Some treated corals may be damaged permanently.
5. Float Test in Water
Drop the stone into a bowl of clean water. Real coral is dense and will sink immediately. Many fakes made of plastic or resin float or sink slowly due to their low weight.
Reminder:
This test is only 70% reliable. Some synthetic stones are made to match the weight of real coral, so itÕs best used with other methods.
Bonus: Lab Certification Matters
The most reliable way to ensure you're buying original Red Coral is to get it certified by a reputed gemological laboratory. Look for certifications from labs like:
GIA (Gemological Institute of America)
IGI (International Gemological Institute)
GRS
PMKK Gems Lab (for astrological authenticity)
A certified gem ensures quality, origin, and treatment status.
Avoid These Common Red Coral Fakes
Glass stones: Shiny, transparent, and low cost
Plastic or resin: Lightweight and poor in color depth
Dyed marble or sponge coral: Easily loses color over time
Always ask the seller if the stone is natural, untreated, and organic.
Conclusion
Choosing the right Red Coral can significantly impact your lifeÑespecially if youÕre wearing it for astrological reasons. Use these five simple tests to verify authenticity before investing. While home tests are helpful, itÕs always best to get your gemstone certified and sourced from trusted dealers like PMKK Gems.
