Real vs Fake Panna Stone: 7 Foolproof Tests Every Indian Buyer Must Know

The phrase, “Free is better than fake,” resonates powerfully in today’s gemstone market. As counterfeit gems proliferate, even seasoned buyers can fall victim to deception, risking significant investment. With the market value of gems like the Panna stone steadily increasing, it is essential to distinguish between authentic stones and imitations. 

This guide presents seven vital tests designed to help you ensure that your purchase is a genuine natural emerald stone, allowing you to experience the rich benefits these gemstones offer fully. Revered in Indian culture and known as "Panna" in Hindi, the emerald stone is celebrated not only for its breathtaking beauty but also for its significant astrological importance.

Why Authenticity Matters: The Power of Real Panna Stone

Among the highly recognised precious stones with revered astrological significance in Vedic astrology, is the emerald gemstone, also known as the Panna, associated with Mercury (Budh Grah) -  the planet of intellect, communication, and wisdom. 

An authentic natural emerald is believed to provide incredible benefits, including: 

• Enhanced Communication: Improved public speaking skills, articulation, and overall expression. 

• Boosted Intellect and Memory: Sharper mind, better academics, and clearer decision-making. 

• Financial Growth: Attraction of wealth, business success, and new opportunities. 

• Emotional Balance: Harmony in relationships and inner peace. 

• Healing Properties: Support for skin, eye, and nervous system issues. 

However, these benefits are most potent in genuine gemstones, Fake emeralds are mostly mere pieces of glass or synthetic materials that do not possess the natural energy reverberation to pass on their true benefits. 

Best Places to Buy Colombian Emerald Stone | Don’t Buy Fake! | Brahma Gems

The Columbian Emerald stone represents the pinnacle of emerald quality, commanding premium prices worldwide. This prestige is precisely why fraudsters target emerald buyers with increasingly sophisticated fakes.

7 Essential Tests to Identify Original Panna Stone

1. The "Jardin" Visual Inspection Test

Original Panna Gemstone: Nothing is flawless in this world as is the case with the most natural emerald stone. The Visual Inspection test is designed to identify the intricate flaws that make the stone what it is, imperfectly glorious. The actual value of this gemstone is determined by its Jardin (French for garden), while present in the form of cracks, bubbles or foreign materials they prove that the stone is actually authentic. 

Fake Panna: Synthetic emeralds or glass imitations often appear suspiciously perfect with uniform clarity. If your stone looks flawless or has perfectly round air bubbles, consider it a red flag.

2. The Color and Luster Test

Original Panna Gemstone: Rich panna gemstones reflect an intense green, sometimes dynamic green gradient with blue and yellow undertones but are mostly not uniform across the gemstone. The Columbian Panna Stone specimens are particularly prized for their pure, intense green. The original panna stone, therefore, should exhibit a natural vitreous (glass-like) lustre and even distribution of its colour while avoiding artificial uniformity. 

Fake Panna: Duplicates often present strangely bright or dull green colours, artificial-looking colour zoning or uniformity, or plastic-like shine instead of natural shine.

3. The "Cool Touch" Temperature Test

Original Panna Gemstone: Like most natural gemstones, an authentic panna gemstone feels noticeably cool to the touch and takes considerable time to warm up when held in your palm.

Fake Panna: Glass or plastic imitations quickly warm up to match your body temperature within seconds.

4. The Weight and Density Test

Original Panna Gemstone: With a specific gravity of 2.7 to 2.8, the original panna gemstone weighs prominently heavier than glass or plastic fakes of the same size. For this test, hold the stone in your palm – an authentic emerald stone will feel dense and substantial. However, it’s essential to consider other factors as well, as this test may not be foolproof in proving the stone’s authenticity in one go, since fakes are often made to weigh and measure heavier than the original. 

Fake Panna: Glass imitations are typically much lighter, while some synthetic materials might feel unnaturally heavy.

5. The Hardness Test (Very Carefully Applied!)

Original Panna: On the Mohs hardness scale, emeralds score 7.5–8, indicating they should withstand glass or steel knife scratchability. Still, try this test only carefully and in an inconspicuous area.

Fake Panna: Combine this with other tests; softer imitations like glass or plastic will scratch readily, but some synthetic emeralds may also resist scratching.

6. The Light Transmission and Refractive Test

Original Panna: A real natural emerald stone lets light pass through, but internal inclusions scatter it especially when held up to view. The refractive index runs between 1.57 and 1.59. Emeralds lack strong rainbow flashes, unlike diamonds.

Fake Panna: Unlike natural emeralds, glass or cubic zirconia fakes often show strong rainbow effects when light passes through.

7. UV Light Test

Original Panna: Advanced tests run under UV light or Chelsea colour filters can provide additional confirmation. Most natural emerald gemstones look red or pink under a Chelsea filter; synthetic emeralds show brilliant red. 

Fake Panna: Any synthetic emeralds fluoresce with red or pink colours under UV light; natural emeralds usually show little fluorescence.

Standard of Gold: Expert Certificate

Professional certification from reputable gemological laboratories such as GIA, GRS, or IGI remains the most dependable authentication method even if these tests offer insightful information. These thorough investigations verify the source, quality, treatments, and authenticity of the stone.

Investing in professional certification is quite worth the extra cost given current panna stone price ranges from ₹3,000 to ₹50,000+ per carat for premium stones.

FAQ:

Q1: Can I wear a panna stone from any birth month? 

Although panna is May's birthstone, its astrological properties speak to Mercury's influence. See an astrologer to find a fit using your birth chart.

Q2: How best should I treat my natural emerald stone? 

Steer clear of ultrasonic cleaners, extreme heat and strong chemicals. Using a soft brush, gently clean with mild soap and lukewarm water. Store separately to avoid damage.

Q3: Are emeralds created in laboratories deemed fake? 

Though they are much less costly and lack the astrological potency many seek, lab-created emeralds have the exact chemical composition of natural ones.

Conclusion

Buying an original Panna gemstone commits one spiritually as well as financially. The great emerald stone benefits and astrological relevance make authenticity absolutely vital. Mastering these 7 tests and giving professional certification top priority will help you to boldly negotiate the market and find a real natural emerald stone that really changes your life with positive energy and wealth.