How to Test the Authenticity of a Coral Stone at Home

Coral stones are beautiful and rare. Many people wear them as jewelry or keep them for good luck. But not all coral stones are real. Some sellers might try to sell fake coral stones. If you have a coral stone and want to know if it is real, you can test it at home.

Why Check if Coral is Real?

Real coral stones are valuable and special. Fake corals are made of plastic, glass, or other materials. If you wear a fake coral, it will not have the same benefits as a real one. That is why it is important to check if your coral is real.

Color and Appearance

Real coral stones come in different colors like red, pink, orange, and white. The color is natural and soft. Fake coral might have a very bright and unnatural color. If the color looks too bright or shiny, it could be fake.

Look at the surface of the stone. Real coral has small natural marks or patterns. Fake coral may look too smooth and perfect. If the surface looks like plastic, it is probably fake.

Weight and Feel

Hold the coral stone in your hand. Real coral feels heavier than plastic or fake materials. If the stone feels too light, it may not be real.

Also, rub the coral stone with your fingers. Real coral feels a little rough or natural. Fake coral might feel too smooth like plastic.

Water Test

Take a glass of water. Drop the coral stone into the water. Real coral will sink because it is dense. Fake coral, especially if made of plastic, may float or take time to sink.

Heat Test

Take a small needle and heat it with a flame. Then, lightly touch the coral with the hot needle. If the coral is real, nothing will happen. If it is fake, it may melt or smell like burning plastic.

Scratch Test

Take a sharp knife or needle and gently scratch the coral stone in a hidden area. Real coral is hard and will not scratch easily. Fake coral, especially plastic ones, will scratch or leave a mark.

Magnifying Glass Test

Take a magnifying glass and look at the coral stone closely. Real coral has small natural holes or patterns. Fake coral looks too smooth or has repeating patterns.

Milk Test (For Red Coral)

Put a small drop of milk on the coral stone. Wait for a few minutes. If the coral is real, the milk will change color slightly or spread out. If the coral is fake, the milk will stay the same.

Sound Test

Tap the coral stone gently on a hard surface or against another stone. Real coral makes a soft, deep sound like a natural stone. Fake coral may sound like plastic or glass.

Conclusion

If you have a coral stone, you can test it at home with these simple steps. Real coral has a natural color, feels heavy, sinks in water, does not burn, and does not scratch easily. Fake coral may look too perfect, feel light, float in water, melt with heat, or scratch easily.

If you are still not sure, take the coral stone to an expert or a jeweler. They can help you check if your coral is real or fake. Always buy coral stones from trusted sellers to avoid fake ones!