How to Identify Original Sphatik Stone: Crystal vs Glass Guide (2026)
Worried about buying fake Sphatik? You’re not alone. The Indian market is flooded with cheap glass sold as “original Sphatik” — and even experienced buyers get fooled. This guide teaches you exactly how to identify original Sphatik stone from fake glass using simple home tests. Whether you’re buying for Shiva puja, japa mala, or as a substitute gemstone for Diamond, you’ll learn everything: authentication tests, realistic prices, and what to look for before purchasing.
Quick Summary: Real Sphatik feels cold even in warm rooms, has hardness 7 (scratches glass), and shows natural inclusions under magnification. Glass warms quickly, is softer, and may have air bubbles. The “cold touch test” is the most reliable home method.
Sphatik Quick Facts
Scientific Name
Clear Quartz / Rock Crystal
Chemical Formula
SiO₂ (Silicon Dioxide)
Hardness
7 on Mohs Scale
Specific Gravity
2.65
Astrological Association
Venus (Shukra) and Moon (Chandra)
Primary Uses
Japa Mala, Shivling, Meditation, Jewelry
Price Range
₹30 – ₹500 per carat
What is Sphatik Stone? (स्फटिक क्या है?)
Sphatik (also spelled Sfatik or Spatik) is the Hindi/Sanskrit name for natural Clear Quartz Crystal. It forms deep within the Earth over millions of years and is prized in Hindu traditions for worship and spiritual practices.
स्फटिक एक प्राकृतिक क्वार्ट्ज क्रिस्टल है जिसे अंग्रेजी में Clear Quartz या Rock Crystal कहते हैं। शिव पूजा, जप माला और वास्तु के लिए स्फटिक को अत्यंत शुभ माना जाता है।
Associated Deities: Lord Shiva and Goddess Lakshmi
Traditional Uses: Japa mala for mantra chanting, Shivling worship, meditation
Key Property: Hardness 7 — harder than glass (5.5), softer than diamond (10)
Difference Between Sphatik and Glass
This is the most searched question about Sphatik — and for good reason. Unscrupulous sellers routinely pass off ₹10 glass as ₹500 Sphatik. Here’s how they differ:
Sphatik vs Glass Comparison
Property
Original Sphatik
Fake (Glass)
Temperature
Feels cold even in warm room
Warms quickly to body temperature
Hardness
7 (scratches glass easily)
5-6 (cannot scratch glass)
Inclusions
Natural veils, rainbows, minor fractures
Perfectly clear OR round air bubbles
Weight
Heavier (SG: 2.65)
Lighter (SG: 2.4-2.5)
Uniformity
Slight natural variations
Perfectly uniform (machine-made)
Price
₹50-500 per carat
₹5-20 per carat
Key Insight: The most reliable difference is thermal conductivity. Natural quartz conducts heat away from your hand quickly, so it always feels cool. Glass is a poor conductor and warms up to body temperature within seconds.
How to Check if Sphatik is Original: 5 Home Tests
You don’t need a lab to verify Sphatik. These tests can be done at home with 90%+ accuracy:
Test 1: Cold Touch Test (Most Reliable)
This is the gold standard for identifying real Sphatik at home.
How to do it:
Hold the stone in your closed palm for 30-60 seconds
Touch the stone to your cheek or lip immediately
Observe the temperature
Results:
Original Sphatik: Still feels noticeably cool, almost cold
Fake Glass: Feels warm, same as your body temperature
Why it works: Natural quartz has thermal conductivity approximately 3 times higher than glass. It constantly draws heat away from your skin.
Test 2: Scratch Test
Sphatik (hardness 7) can scratch glass (hardness 5.5), but glass cannot scratch Sphatik.
How to do it:
Find an old glass bottle or window glass
Press a pointed edge of the stone firmly against the glass
Drag across the surface
Results:
Original Sphatik: Leaves a visible scratch on glass
Fake Glass: Cannot scratch; may get scratched itself
Caution: Don’t use this test on polished gemstones as it may damage the finish. Best for rough crystals or mala beads.
Test 3: Magnification Test
Natural crystals have “fingerprints” — tiny inclusions that prove natural formation.
How to do it:
Use a 10x loupe or phone camera on maximum zoom
Examine the interior carefully
Look for internal features
Results:
Original Sphatik: May show veils, fractures, rainbow effects (“iris”), or needle-like inclusions
Fake Glass: Either perfectly flawless OR contains round air bubbles
Test 4: Bubble Test
Air bubbles are a dead giveaway for glass — they form during melting and molding.
How to do it:
Hold the stone up to bright light
Rotate slowly, examining from different angles
Look for tiny round bubbles inside
Results:
Original Sphatik: No round air bubbles (angular inclusions are natural)
Fake Glass: Often contains small round bubbles, especially near center
Test 5: Lab Certification
The only 100% reliable method is a lab report from a certified gemological laboratory.
What labs test:
Refractive Index (Sphatik: 1.544-1.553)
Specific Gravity (Sphatik: 2.65)
Spectroscopic analysis
Natural vs. synthetic identification
Pro Tip: When buying Sphatik mala, check multiple beads. Fake malas often mix a few real beads with glass. All beads should feel uniformly cool with slight natural variations.
How to Identify Original Sphatik Mala
Sphatik malas are commonly faked because they use many small beads. Here’s what to check:
Original vs Fake Mala Signs
Check
Original Sphatik Mala
Fake Glass Mala
Temperature
All beads feel cool
Warm or room temperature
Uniformity
Slight variations in clarity/size (±0.5mm)
Perfectly identical (machine-made)
Drill Holes
Smooth, clean holes
Chipped, rough edges
Weight (108 beads, 8mm)
50-60 grams
10-15% lighter
Price
₹400+ minimum
Under ₹200 = red flag
Sphatik Stone Price in India (2026)
Understanding realistic pricing helps you avoid overpaying or falling for suspiciously cheap fakes:
Price by Quality Grade
Quality
Price (₹/carat)
Clarity
Best For
Commercial
₹30 – ₹80
Milky, visible inclusions
Mala beads, bulk items
Good
₹80 – ₹200
Mostly clear, minor inclusions
Personal jewelry, gifts
Premium
₹200 – ₹500
Water-white clarity
Astrological use, Shivling
Collector
₹500+
Exceptional, rare formations
Display pieces
Sphatik Product Prices
Product
Size/Specs
Price Range (₹)
Sphatik Mala (108 beads)
6mm beads
₹400 – ₹1,200
Sphatik Mala (108 beads)
8mm beads
₹800 – ₹2,500
Sphatik Shivling
50-100g
₹500 – ₹2,000
Sphatik Shivling
100-250g
₹2,000 – ₹6,000
Loose Sphatik Stone
5-10 carat
₹300 – ₹3,000
Sphatik Bracelet
8mm beads
₹300 – ₹1,000
Prices as of January 2026. Actual prices vary based on clarity, origin, and market conditions.
Red Flag: If someone offers a “premium quality” 108-bead Sphatik mala for under ₹200, it’s almost certainly glass. Authentic crystal costs more than that in raw material alone.
According to Vedic astrology practitioners, Sphatik is associated with Venus (Shukra) and Moon (Chandra). Some astrologers recommend it as an affordable alternative to Diamond (Heera) for strengthening Venus.
Traditional Associations
Venus (Shukra): Traditionally believed to support harmony, relationships, and artistic abilities
Moon (Chandra): Associated with mental peace, emotional balance, and cooling effect
Shiva Connection: Sphatik Shivling is considered highly auspicious for daily puja
Traditional Spiritual Uses
Japa Mala: Preferred for chanting Lakshmi mantras, Shiva mantras, and general japa
Meditation: Cooling properties traditionally believed to help maintain focus
Vastu: Placed in homes for positive energy according to Vastu traditions
Note: These are traditional beliefs and cultural practices. We make no medical or guaranteed astrological claims. Consult a qualified Jyotish practitioner before wearing gemstones for astrological purposes.
How to Care for Sphatik
Proper care ensures your Sphatik lasts for generations:
Cleaning
Wash with mild soap and lukewarm water
Use soft brush for mala beads
Rinse thoroughly, pat dry with soft cloth
Avoid harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners
Traditional Energizing Method
Cleanse in saltwater for a few hours, then rinse with pure water
Place under full moonlight overnight
Chant mantras while holding (Om Namah Shivaya or Lakshmi mantras)
Storage
Store separately from harder gemstones like Neelam or Ruby to avoid scratches
Keep in soft pouch or lined jewelry box
Avoid extreme temperature changes
Buying Checklist: Original Sphatik
Before purchasing, verify:
✓ Stone feels cold even after holding (thermal test passed)
✓ No round air bubbles visible under magnification
Sphatik (natural quartz crystal) has hardness 7 on Mohs scale, feels permanently cool due to high thermal conductivity, and may contain natural inclusions. Glass has hardness 5-6, warms quickly to body temperature, and may contain round air bubbles. The cold touch test is the easiest way to differentiate — hold for 30 seconds, and real Sphatik will still feel cool.
How to identify original Sphatik stone at home?
Use these 5 tests: (1) Cold touch test — real Sphatik stays cool after holding; (2) Scratch test — Sphatik scratches glass; (3) Magnification test — look for natural inclusions, not air bubbles; (4) Weight test — Sphatik is heavier than glass of same size; (5) Lab certification for 100% confirmation.
Is Sphatik and crystal the same?
Yes, Sphatik is the Hindi/Sanskrit name for natural Clear Quartz crystal. It’s also called Rock Crystal, Crystal Quartz, Sfatik, or Spatik. All these names refer to the same natural silicon dioxide mineral (SiO₂).
Which planet is associated with Sphatik?
According to Vedic astrology traditions, Sphatik is primarily associated with Venus (Shukra) and also connected to Moon (Chandra). Some Jyotish practitioners recommend it as an affordable substitute for Diamond. Consult a qualified astrologer for personalized recommendations.
What is the price of original Sphatik stone?
Original Sphatik price ranges from ₹30-80/carat (commercial grade) to ₹200-500/carat (premium clarity). A 108-bead Sphatik mala costs ₹400-2,500 depending on bead size and quality. Prices below these ranges typically indicate glass fakes.
How to check if Sphatik mala is original?
Run all beads through your fingers — all should feel cool. Look for slight natural variations between beads (glass is perfectly uniform). Examine drill holes — natural crystal has smooth holes, glass chips easily. Weigh the mala — authentic 8mm, 108-bead mala weighs 50-60 grams. Price under ₹200 is a red flag.
Can I wear Sphatik daily?
Yes, Sphatik is durable (hardness 7) and suitable for daily wear as mala, bracelet, or ring. Protect from hard impacts and store separately from harder gemstones like diamond or sapphire to prevent scratches.
