How to Identify Original Rudraksha: A Complete Guide for Beginners

Rudraksha beads are among the most in-demand spiritual accessories. They are not only known to reduce stress and anxiety but also improve focus and mental clarity while absorbing negativity around you. But when it comes to finding an original rudraksha mala, bead, or bracelet - that’s kind of tricky.

The market is brimming with fake or counterfeit beads that do not offer any benefit but charge just as much as an authentic rudraksha. These are made from plastic, resin, wooden beads, betel nuts, clay, or even flour. So much so that a report indicated that at least 30% of the rudraksha beads in the market are fake.

That being said, anyone would be forced to ask, “How to identify original rudraksha?” when planning to buy one. So, if you are also in the same group, we have made this practical guide to save you the pain of buying fake rudraksha beads. Here, we’ll discuss how to identify an original bead plus how to test rudraksha at home, and a lot more. 

Let’s begin. 

How to Identify Original Rudraksha

There are multiple ways to check whether a rudraksha bead is genuine or not. Most well-known of these methods involves technology, tests at home, and recognizing the features of a real bead. Here’s how you can differentiate between real vs fake rudraksha:

X-Ray

Perhaps the most reliable method of determining whether you have real rudraksha beads or not is to do an X-ray of them. It might seem a little extra work, but bear with us. Just go to your nearest dental clinic and ask for a pearl X-ray. Yes, it is that easy. You can then take the report to an expert gemologist who can read the report and give the verdict. 

Or, on the other hand, you can read the report yourself. Here’s how to do it: look for disparities in the rudraksha. Every natural bead has compartments according to its mukhs (or faces), with a seed in each of them. Suppose you have a 12-mukhi rudraksha, the X-ray report will show 12 holes in it with a tiny seed within (sometimes the seed is so tiny that it becomes invisible in the X-ray, so don’t worry if you don’t find one). 

Price

While it may not look like it at first, genuine Rudraksha beads usually cost a bit more than the fake ones. This is due to the fact that genuine rudraksha beads are rare, naturally sourced, and often undergo careful cleaning, sorting, and sometimes lab certification to ensure authenticity. In contrast to all of that, fake or artificial beads are mass-produced, require minimal effort to make, and therefore cost much less. So don’t be surprised if that original rudraksha mala 108 beads price is higher than you expected. It could actually be genuine.

Certification

This one is an instant giveaway. Certification shows that the bead has been examined for authenticity, mukhi count, and origin. It actually comes with a report from a reputed lab, providing peace of mind along with proof of genuineness.

You wouldn’t want to buy a gold coin without a hallmark, right? So, avoid buying rudraksha without certifications.

How To Identify Original Rudraksha Through Key Physical Features

Another easy way of determining whether the rudraksha is original or not is to go through its physical features. Grab a magnifying glass and look for: 

• Natural Lines (Mukhis): Every rudraksha has natural lines that run from end to end, dividing the rudraksha into sections. They are naturally formed, so look for any scratches or attempts at carving with a chisel. Artificial ones often have shallow or uneven lines rather than well-defined ones.

• Surface Texture: Another way of identifying the original rudraksha bead is by looking at its surface. The authentic bead will have a rough and uneven surface. On the other hand, a fake bead’s surface will feel too smooth, glossy, or like plastic. If that is so, it is a red flag.

• Shape & Weight: Real Rudraksha beads are rarely perfectly round. They’re naturally asymmetrical, with Nepali rudraksha being darker and bigger in size, featuring deeper grooves. Javan (Indonesia) rudrakshas are smaller in comparison and even have finer lines. However, all authentic rudraksha feel solid, like dry wood, but not too heavy. 

• Color and Shine: Natural Rudraksha usually has a brownish hue, sometimes darker near the grooves. Artificial beads may look uniformly colored or even overly shiny.

Myths Busted: How to Test Rudraksha at Home 

No matter if you are planning to buy a rudraksha bracelet or a rare rudraksha bead, it's easy to fall prey to certain traditional methods of determining their originality. These tests are neither reliable nor trustworthy. That being said, let’s discuss some popular methods on how to identify original rudraksha and find out whether they work or are they just duds.

• Water Test (Unreliable): There are mainly two water tests. The first one requires you to soak the bead in a glass filled with water and then remove it after a few hours. If the rudraksha is original, it will still be hard. However, this test is a washout as many fake rudrakshas do not lose their hardness even after being soaked for hours.

The second water test determines the originality of the bead on the basis of whether it is floating or not. The idea behind the test is that a fake rudraksha, which is made of wood and filled with lead for weight, will instantly sink. But this test is also a dud, as original rudraksha beads float on water when they are fresh, but sink when they absorb moisture and oil.

• Milk Test (Unreliable): This test claims that when you put an original rudraksha in a glass of milk, the milk won’t spoil for days. Well, if you believed this method was true, we’ve got news for you: there’s no scientific proof to support it. Milk will go bad as usual, whether it has a genuine bead in it or not.

• Copper Coin Test (Unreliable): Out of all the methods on how to test rudraksha at home, this one is the most bizarre. You are supposed to place the rudraksha between two copper coins, and it is said that if the rudraksha is original, it will start rotating. Definitely a dud!

• Heat Test (Reliable): Now it's time for a test you can trust. Rub the bead against a flame briefly. Authentic beads won’t burn or emit a chemical smell, whereas fake plastic beads might melt or smell synthetic.

• Seed Test (Reliable): Genuine Rudraksha has a hollow center. If you’re careful, a pin can reveal this central cavity without damaging the bead.

Real vs Fake Rudraksha

Here’s a quick side-by-side comparison to help you understand how to identify original rudraksha:

Buyer’s Checklist to Avoid Fake Rudraksha

When shopping for your first Rudraksha mala or bracelet, keep these tips handy:

• Buy from trusted sellers with positive reviews.

• Check if the Rudraksha comes with lab certification.

• Look for natural irregularities in shape and texture.

• Avoid beads that look too perfect or glossy.

• Ask questions! Reputable sellers will happily explain the bead’s origin.

Where to Buy Original Rudraksha Mala & Bracelets Online 

Shopping online can be tricky, but it also opens up options you might not discover locally. But where can you find a trustworthy or reliable provider? This is where The Divine Tales come in. 

We specialize in offering spiritual products, from original rudraksha mala with trishul to brass God idols of Lakshmi and Ganesha. Our rudrakshas are lab-certified with transparency of details. And with a number of positive reviews, verified certifications, and user-friendly purchase policies, we make the perfect stop for all your rudraksha shopping.

Let’s Sum It up

Remember: by paying attention to physical traits, performing simple at-home tests (reliable ones), and leaning on lab-certified beads, you can confidently invest in genuine rudraksha.

So the next time you’re holding a rudraksha bead, remember: it’s not just a bead, it’s a tiny seed of energy, history, and tradition. And now, you know how to tell if it’s the real thing.