Fake Rudraksha is completely ineffective and useless. Many of the sellers are selling fake rudraksha in the name of authentic rudraksha and many of the people are buying it thinking that it is real. But these rudraksha don’t affect good. Therefore, one should avoid buying these fake Rudrakshas and buy genuine products. Rudraksha is a very sacred bead in Hinduism, so buy only genuine rudraksha.
How to identify fake rudraksha:
There are many methods to identify Rudraksha. Some of the best methods are given below:
Lab Certification– Lab Certification is the best way to identify the rudraksha, If we get the Rudraksha tested from a good reputed lab, we can find out whether it is real or fake. Lab certification of Rudraksha will tell how genuine it is and the X-ray report will clearly show how many Mukhi Rudraksha it is.
Counting the Mukhi (Faces) Properly– The Mukhi of a Rudraksha refers to the number of natural grooves running across the bead. A real Rudraksha will have clear, continuous lines running from top to bottom. Fake Rudrakshas may have artificially carved lines that look too perfect or uneven. Hold the Rudraksha against a light source and check if the grooves are naturally formed.
The Copper Coin Test (Electromagnetic Test)– A real Rudraksha has natural electromagnetic properties. To check this, place the Rudraksha bead between two copper coins. A genuine Rudraksha will show slight movement or rotation due to its energy field. Fake ones will remain still.
X-Ray Test – The Most Reliable Scientific Method- A real Rudraksha contains natural internal seeds, which can be verified through an X-ray. A genuine Rudraksha will show inner compartments corresponding to the number of Mukhis. A fake Rudraksha may be hollow or artificially carved.
The Boiling Test (Heat Resistance Check)– Boil the Rudraksha in water for 2-3 hours. A real Rudraksha will remain unchanged in color and texture. A fake one may crack, fade, or develop an artificial smell.
Difference between fake rudraksha and authentic rudraksha:
Rudraksha are believed to bring peace, clarity, and protection to the wearer. However, due to their growing popularity, the market is flooded with fake rudraksha beads that can mislead buyers. Understanding the difference between fake and authentic Rudraksha is essential if you’re seeking true spiritual benefits.
1. Natural Grooves vs Artificial Carvings
An authentic rudraksha bead has natural deep grooves or lines called “mukhis” that run from the top to the bottom. These lines are not carved — they are naturally formed over time. Fake beads often have artificially etched lines that may look too perfect or uniform. Sometimes, sellers even use chemicals or tools to replicate the appearance, but on close inspection, the difference becomes obvious.
2. Shape and Texture
Real rudraksha beads are rarely perfectly shaped. They may be oval, round, or slightly irregular, and their surface texture feels woody or grainy. Fake beads, on the other hand, are often unnaturally smooth, shiny, or too perfectly round. Some imitations are even made of plastic or molded resin.
3. X-Ray and Lab Testing
A proper lab test or X-ray examination is one of the most accurate ways to verify a rudraksha’s authenticity. This can reveal the internal seeds or chambers that match the number of mukhis on the bead. A certified lab report from a reputed Rudraksha lab ensures you are buying a genuine bead with the promised benefits.
4. Price and Source
If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Authentic rudraksha, especially rare ones like 1 Mukhi or Gauri Shankar, are valuable and not usually available at extremely low prices. Always buy from trusted sources that provide certification and have knowledge about Rudraksha.
5. Energy and Feel
This might sound subjective, but many people say they can feel a certain calm or energy when holding an original rudraksha. It’s believed that real beads radiate subtle vibrations. While this isn’t a scientific test, spiritual seekers often rely on their intuition to sense authenticity.
How to buy genuine rudraksha:

Any Rudraksha buyer should not trust anyone. There are many religious places or temples where Rudraksha and other spiritual products are sold. In such a situation, many people buy Rudraksha from such places, but these are not authentic. Not all Rudrakshas, but many sellers sell fake Rudrakshas, so be careful with such people. And whenever you go to buy Rudraksha, check carefully that it has a certificate and X-ray report and buy it only when you are completely satisfied with its certification. Buy such spiritual products or Rudraksha only from a good, reputed seller.