How to Identify Original Rudraksha

Why so many fake Rudraksha are sold

Rudraksha is the seed of the Elaeocarpus ganitrus tree, grown mainly in the Himalayan foothills of Nepal, parts of India, and Indonesia (Java). Higher mukhi beads form only in limited quantities in nature, so the price gap between common and rare beads is huge. A 5 mukhi bead may cost a few hundred rupees, while a genuine 1 mukhi round Nepali bead can run into lakhs.

That price gap is exactly why fakes flood the market. The most common types of fakes are:

•      Carved or stained beads — a real low-mukhi bead (often 5 mukhi) is carved and dyed to imitate a rarer, higher-mukhi bead.

•      Joined beads — two beads glued or wired together and sold as a naturally formed Gauri Shankar.

•      Wrong origin — Indonesian beads sold as premium Nepali beads.

•      Imitations — beads made from betelnut (supari), wood, bone, or synthetic resin.

Because a good fake can look almost identical to the real thing, surface appearance alone is never enough proof.

The 7 checks to identify an original Rudraksha

1. Mukhi lines (the most useful visual check)

Every genuine bead has natural lines, called mukhis, running from the top hole to the bottom hole in one continuous, unbroken stroke. On a real bead these lines are deep, slightly uneven, and clearly part of the seed’s natural formation. On a fake, the lines often look carved, painted, or filled with glue, and they may break or wander instead of running cleanly pole to pole.

2. Surface texture

A real Rudraksha feels woody and rough, with natural ridges, bumps, and tiny thorn-like protrusions. Be suspicious of beads that look glassy, plasticky, or perfectly smooth — natural seeds are never that uniform.

3. Shape

Genuine beads are usually oval or slightly irregular, not perfectly round. This matters most for 1 mukhi Rudraksha: a true Nepali one mukhi has a single internal compartment and is naturally half-moon shaped, not round. Most “round 1 mukhi” beads in the market are fakes or manipulated.

4. Weight and density

A real bead feels dense and solid for its size. Extremely light beads can be hollow imitations, and unusually heavy ones can be weighted or resin-cast fakes.

5. The natural hole

Authentic beads have a naturally formed central channel. A clean, centred drill hole is fine, but cracks filled with resin or an off-centre, messy hole are warning signs.

6. Origin tells (Nepal vs Java)

Both Nepali and Indonesian (Java) beads are genuine — they simply differ in look. Nepali beads are generally larger with deep, well-separated mukhi lines, while Java beads are usually smaller and smoother. Knowing this prevents you from rejecting a real Java bead just because it looks different, and stops you from overpaying for a Java bead sold as Nepali.

7. X-ray and lab certification (the only conclusive proof)

This is the gold standard. Inside every genuine Rudraksha are natural hollow compartments that form as the seed develops, and their number always matches the external mukhi count. An X-ray (or CT scan) reveals these chambers, and the internal structure simply cannot be artificially created. Certified gemology labs combine X-ray imaging with microscopic inspection and issue a report listing the bead’s mukhi count, size, and weight. For higher-value beads, always ask the seller for an X-ray certificate.

Real vs Fake Rudraksha: comparison table

Myths to ignore: tests that don’t actually work

A lot of “instant tests” circulate online. Most are unreliable, and trusting them can cost you money:

•      Water test (sink vs float): The most repeated myth. A dense fake can sink, and a genuine, dry, or lightweight bead can float. Soaking proves nothing about authenticity.

•      Copper coin rotation test: Often presented as proof of “energy,” but it depends on bead shape and balance, not authenticity. It is not a dependable check.

•      Boiling test: Boiling may strip dye from a fake, but it can also damage a genuine bead, so it is risky and inconclusive.

In short: use the visual checks to screen out obvious fakes, and rely on X-ray / certification for certainty.

Where to buy authentic Rudraksha

The simplest way to avoid fakes is to buy from a seller that sources genuine beads and stands behind them. At Divine Vedas, you can shop original Rudraksha from 1 to 12 mukhi, including loose beads, malas, and bracelets sourced from Nepal and Java.

Popular options include:

•      2 Mukhi Rudraksha from Nepal — for harmony and relationships

•      5 Mukhi Rudraksha — the most common, ideal for daily wear and meditation

•      Higher mukhi beads from Java — for specific spiritual goals

Not sure which bead is right for you, or want to confirm authenticity before buying? Message the Divine Vedas team on WhatsApp and they’ll guide you. For more spiritual buying guides, visit the Divine Vedas blog.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most reliable way to test if a Rudraksha is real?

The X-ray test is the only conclusive method. A genuine bead shows internal compartments equal to its mukhi count, and this structure cannot be faked by carving or coating.

Does a real Rudraksha sink in water?

Not reliably. Both genuine and fake beads can sink or float depending on density, moisture, and material, so the water test is not proof of authenticity.

What is a Rudraksha made of?

A genuine Rudraksha is the dried seed of the Elaeocarpus ganitrus tree, grown mainly in Nepal, India, and Indonesia.

Which Rudraksha is the most commonly faked?

The 1 mukhi round Rudraksha is the most counterfeited, because a true Nepali one mukhi is extremely rare and naturally half-moon shaped, not round. High-mukhi beads are also faked by carving cheaper 5 mukhi beads.

Is a Java Rudraksha fake compared to a Nepali one?

No. Both are genuine. Java beads are simply smaller and smoother, while Nepali beads are larger with deeper mukhi lines.

Should I ask for a certificate when buying Rudraksha?

Yes, especially for rare or higher-value beads. A lab X-ray certificate confirms the mukhi count and natural internal structure.

explore the Divine Vedas Rudraksha collection.