How to Check Red Coral Stone

Red coral also known as Moonga in Hindi is a studding gem that features vibrant red hue. It is an organic gem that is formed from small underwater creatures called polyps. Each polyp secretes calcium carbonate which gets deposited for a long time forming a hard exoskeleton. Moonga holds significant value in the gem marketplace. It is used for making jewelry and also plays an important role in Indian astrology. Red coral stone benefits the wearer mentally, physically and spiritually. In vedic astrology, it is believed that gemstone benefits you only when it is real and the same goes for this stone. But how to check red coral stone is real or not. Lets see what are these:

Physical Characteristics of Genuine Red Coral 

While finding the originality of a colored gemstone there are two main factors that one should consider, color and luster. However, fake gems do possess extra shine and sparkle which makes the buyer confused about which is real or which is fake. Lets see what characteristics one should look for while buying original moonga ratna. 

Choose Vibrant Red Color 

Good quality coral gems feature a vibrant and uniform color. Laal Moonga ratna with deep red often called “Ox Blood” red are desirable. Uneven distribution of color or multiple colors other than red indicate its low quality. 

Look For Purity 

If you are purchasing coral gemstone for astrological purposes, untreated stones should be your first priority. These red gems undergo various treatments such as bleaching, dyeing, coating and stabilization. Treatments are done to enhance the stone’s color uniformity or dark spots. Since moonga ratna is a porous stone, it gets cracked easily. For this stabilisation process is done. So, how to check red coral stone? Original coral stone that comes with a certificate from recognized gemological institutions should be considered. This certificate provides an authenticity that the stone is natural and untreated. 

Check For Luster 

A rich and vibrant luster is the key to check real coral stone. Superior quality laal moonga ratna with soft and glossy luster are desirable. These organic gems with tiny pores and slightly rough texture are considered authentic. 

Look For The Clarity 

Corals are not eye clean. They have no visible inclusions. If you see granules on the surface, it is a genuine stone. Though there are gems which look smooth but they are polished. Thus, to identify original coral look for consistent texture, and signs of roughness. 

Methods to Identify Real Red Coral vs. Fake Coral

It is important to identify gemstones as everybody wants to get what they pay for. Astrologically, natural stones mean a lot. These original ratnas contain the energy which transforms around the individual offering desirable benefits. Moonga stone is related to the planet Mars. Wearing this red stone protects you from ill effects of Mars or Mangal Grah. It protects the wearer from evil forces and offers good health and relationships. Thus, in order to get all these benefits and more, choosing a natural red coral gemstone is important. Since the gem market is filled with fake and synthetic stones, identifying real coral is difficult. With the given below steps we can differentiate between real and fake stones easily at home:

1. Red Coral Milk Test

Put the red coral stone in a glass of milk. If the red color of the gem is uniform or there are tiny pores inside it will be absorbed by the milk. Due to which there will be a change in color of the milk indicating that it is a real coral.  

2. Water Test 

Put a drop of water on the surface of moonga stone. If it falls down it's not genuine. But if it doesn't fall down even after rotating then it is real. This is how to identify genuine red coral with water. 

3. Test with acetone 

Take an ear bud and dip it in acetone. Rub it on the surface of coral. If you see a gemstone's color on the earbud it has been dyed. This way you can identify original red coral whether it is treated or untreated. 

4. Tapping Test 

Tap a fingernail on the stone and notice the sound. If the sound produced is like you are tapping a glass then it is probably an imitation of coral or fake stone. 

5. Turmeric Test 

Another way to test check original moonga stone is by rubbing turmeric on the stone. If the turmeric turns take the color of the stone that is red then its a fake stone. On the other hand if it doesnt turn red it is genuine. 

6. Vinegar test 

Put laal moonga ratna in a diluted solution of vinegar. If it bubbles in the solution, that means its real. Since corals are made of calcium carbonate it bubbles in an acidic environment. Thus, this is how to check red coral stone genuinity. 

7. Lemon Juice Test 

Place a drop of lemon juice on the surface of this red gemstone. If it bubbles it is real otherwise it is a fake red coral stone.

Buying Tips for Original Moonga Ratna 

• The moonga stone price ranges from INR 2,000 and may extend up to INR 10,000 per carat or more. The cost of red coral depends upon the 4C’s. 
• Japanese red coral stone and Italian coral are common. Japanese moonga is more expensive and high quality.