In the world of Vedic gemology , Kanakapushyaragam stone (natural yellow sapphire) is one of the most sought-after and powerful gems. Revered for its astrological benefits and stunning golden hue , this gem is associated with Jupiter (Guru) Ñ the planet of wisdom, prosperity, and spiritual growth.
However, due to its popularity and high value, fake or synthetic Kanakapushyaragam stones have flooded the market. Whether you're buying it for astrology, jewelry, or investment , knowing how to distinguish a real Kanakapushyaragam from a fake one is crucial.
In this guide, weÍll walk you through:
- The key differences between real and fake Kanakapushyaragam
- Simple tests to identify an original yellow sapphire
- Common imitation stones to watch out for
- Tips to buy genuine Kanakapushyaragam stone
LetÍs dive in!
🌟 What Is Kanakapushyaragam Stone?
Kanakapushyaragam is the Sanskrit name for natural yellow sapphire , a precious gemstone belonging to the corundum family Ñ the same mineral group as rubies. It gets its vibrant yellow color from trace elements like iron and titanium .
This gem ranges from pale lemon to deep golden yellow , with the finest quality stones coming from Sri Lanka (Ceylon), Thailand, and Madagascar .
Astrologically, it's worn to strengthen Jupiter (Guru) in your horoscope Ñ especially beneficial for those born under Taurus and Virgo .
⚠️ Why You Need to Be Careful When Buying Kanakapushyaragam
Due to the high demand and price of genuine Kanakapushyaragam , many sellers pass off synthetic, treated, or entirely fake stones as real ones. Wearing an inauthentic gem wonÍt provide the expected astrological results and may even cause harm if worn incorrectly.
🔍 How to Identify Real Kanakapushyaragam Stone Ð 7 Key Tests
Here are 7 practical ways to check whether your Kanakapushyaragam stone is authentic:
1. Check for Natural Inclusions
- Real : Natural sapphires usually have tiny internal crystals or silk-like structures visible under magnification.
- Fake : Glass or plastic stones often look too perfect with no inclusions.
🔍 Use a 10x loupe or jewelerÍs loop to examine the stone closely.
2. Test Refractive Index
- Real : Hold the stone over printed text. If the letters blur or disappear, it's likely real due to high refractive index.
- Fake : Glass or cubic zirconia will show clear text underneath.
3. Look at the Color Consistency
- Real : Genuine Kanakapushyaragam has a consistent, rich yellow tone without sharp color zoning.
- Fake : Dyed or coated stones may show uneven coloring or patches.
4. Feel the Weight
- Real : Natural sapphires are dense and feel heavier than they look.
- Fake : Glass or plastic stones feel unusually light.
⚖️ Compare with another known gemstone of similar size.
5. Hardness Test (Only for Experts)
- Real : Sapphires rank 9/10 on the Mohs hardness scale , making them very scratch-resistant.
- Fake : Glass ranks around 5Ð6 , so it can be scratched easily.
⚠️ This test should only be done by professionals to avoid damaging the stone.
6. Observe Brilliance and Sparkle
- Real : A well-cut Kanakapushyaragam reflects light brilliantly with sharp flashes.
- Fake : Cubic zirconia or glass may sparkle more, but in an artificial way.
- 💎 Real sapphires have a more refined, subtle sparkle.
Get a Lab Certificate
The most reliable way to confirm authenticity is to get a certificate from a trusted gem lab like:
- GIA (Gemological Institute of America)
- IGI (International Gemological Institute)
- Gubelin Gem Lab
- GIT (Gem and Jewelry Institute of Thailand)
Certificates include details about:
- Origin
- Clarity
- Cut
- Treatment status (natural or heat-treated)
Ensure they offer:
- Lab certification
- Return policy
- Astrologer consultation
✅ Local Gem Dealers:
Cities like Jaipur, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Bangalore have well-known gemstone markets. Always ask for a certificate of authenticity.
✅ Temples & Astrology Centers:
Some temples and Vedic centers sell blessed and tested gemstones, especially for astrological use.
⚠️ Precautions Before Wearing Kanakapushyaragam Stone
Even if the stone is real, wearing it without proper guidance can be ineffective or harmful. HereÕs what to do before wearing:
- Consult a qualified Vedic astrologer
- Confirm Jupiter is favorable in your birth chart
- Wear the stone on a Thursday morning
- Purify it using milk, honey, and holy water (Ganga jal)
- Chant the Jupiter mantra: ÒOm Guruve NamahÓ
📌 Final Thoughts
Knowing how to differentiate between real vs fake Kanakapushyaragam stone is essential to ensure you get the true astrological, healing, and aesthetic benefits of this sacred gem.
