Fake Real Inspect the color and shine using a 10x microscope or magnifying glass Faux-rubies can be light-colored (but not bright) and will appear quite dull in lustre. Dark red gems like garnet reddish pink tourmalines can be mistaken for rubies. Genuine rubies often are a vivid, deep red color (like a stoplight) that is consistent and even throughout the stone. Look for imperfections using a 10x microscope or magnifying glass Lab-made rubies contain blemishes and bubbles. Real rubies should contain some naturally occurring inclusions (cracks, cavities, chips, halos) and imperfections. Note: rubies with higher clarity grades will have nearly zero imperfections. Look at the cuts and facets Fake rubies have rounded, rolled, or excessively smooth facets. Real rubies have clean and sharp cuts. Try to scratch the surface Fake rubies can be scratched by a coin or by grinding your nail into them. Rubies cannot be scratched by anything except diamonds. See if it leaves a mark on a flat piece of porcelain or clear glass Lab-made rubies are artificially colored and will leave a red mark. Real rubies will not leave a mark. However, composite rubies (real rubies fused with glass) will be artificially colored and might leave a trace. Compare it to glass Fake rubies are made of glass composites and will look just like red glass. Real rubies will appear more vibrant and lustrous than glass. Ask a professional A gemologist will tell you if the ruby is fake and why. A gemologist will give you a certificate that states your ruby is real and, if so, assess the gem’s clarity grade.