Sphatik Testing
Sphatik (Quartz Crystal) is a gift given by earth and a good conductor of energy. Sphatik crystal is supposed to be the purest gem among all other gems. It is a semi-precious gem and has natural capability to disperse negative energy. Sphatik Crystal Malas have a controlling energy and the quality of these beads is referring by its plainness. Mainly the sphatik beads are used to get relieve from stress, headaches and generally support healing and increases intuition. It is best for those who do logical job or mind related jobs.
According to the Indian astrology quartz crystal is called Sphatik. The name Sphatik comes from German word "Quartz", which is also called Slavic origin - Czech miners called it krem. Some of people say about the name arises from Saxon word "Querkluftertz" which means cross-vein ore. This Crystal is from the Greek word krystallos means ice. Some of the believer says that rock crystal was formed from ice.
According to the Australian native mythology sphatik is known as magical substance "maban". A roman naturalist, pliny the elder supposed that sphatik was permanently frozen ice quartz which was originated near glaciers in the alps and large crystals. They were formed into spheres to cool the hands.
The Hindu Scripter believes that during "Ramayan Kaal lord Ram and Lord Laxman Sat on sphatik rock. They make Shivalinga of sphatik which is measured to be best. Worshiping of a Shivalinga sphatik is considered to have same effect as worshiping the "Jyotirlings". Sphatik carry prosperity, happiness and satisfaction to that house where it is worshipped.
Precious / Semi Precious Stone Testing
"Precious Stones" is a name that is usually used in reference to four types of gems: diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds. Some people have included opal, jade or pearls in the "precious stones" class, but these have not received persistent and widespread use. Separating stones into "precious" and "semiprecious" classes has led many people to believe that "precious stones" are more important and more valuable than "semiprecious stones." This idea has somewhat been supported by the fact that diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds account for over 98% of the dollar value of U.S. gemstone imports for consumption reported by the United States Geological Survey.
The names "Semiprecious Stones" and "Semi Precious Stones" are used for all varieties of gemstones that are not categorized as "precious." Any gemstone suitable for being used in personal adornment would be included. Semiprecious stones include gemstones fashioned from: agate, amber, amethyst, aquamarine, aventurine, chalcedony, chrysocolla, chrysoprase, citrine, garnet, hematite, jade, jasper, jet, kunzite, lapis lazuli, malachite, moonstone, obsidian, onyx, peridot, rhodonite, sunstone, tiger's eye, tanzanite, topaz, turquoise, tourmaline and many other materials.
Shankh Testing
As there are a lot of fakes in the market, the best way to test the authenticity of a shankha is by getting an X-Ray of it. See the two sets of pictures given here. These are photographs of the X-Ray pictures. The real X-Ray pictures show even the minor dents and spots etc. of the shankha.
One of the main features of a genuine shankha is the rib / ridge like horizontal raised lines, at the inside opening. These ridges in the conch cavity, called Pilae, go through the inside of the Shankha center, called columella, right to the top. People can create fake ridges on the outside of the opening by carefully filing away a part of it and leaving out 3 or 4 faint raised lines to make it look like a real Dakshinavarti, but one thing no one can fake is this inside spiraling of the ridges to the top. This is shown clearly in the X-Ray.
But there are people now who are producing fake Dakshinavartis with fake lines.