How to tell real rudraksh from fake

Real rudraksh feels dense and slightly uneven, with natural mukhi grooves — not a plastic shine, hollow core, or a price too good for the mukhi count claimed. You do not need a lab report for every purchase, but you do need to know what to feel and look for.

Weight and texture

Natural rudraksh feels heavy for its size and slightly uneven in the hand. Mukhi grooves should run from top to bottom as part of the seed, not look painted on. A uniformly shiny or plasticky surface is a warning sign.

The drill hole

Drilled holes are normal on strung beads. What is not normal is a bead that feels hollow, unusually light, or filled around the hole to hide a composite core.

Price and claims

Rare high-mukhi beads at bargain prices are a red flag. Ask where the bead was sourced. Why we work in Nepal is a starting point for traceability.

What Rudraam checks

Rudraam rejects coated, filled, or mixed batches. Each bead is checked for natural surface and honest weight before it is strung. Read what rudraksh actually is if you are new to wearing it.