It is an easy matter to recognize authentic Rudraksa by its Facets or Faces or Mukhis. Here the descriptive words describing the Mukhis are interpreted to mean the deep lines from the lower part to the upper part of the Rudraksa Bead. Authentic Rudraksa can easily be recognized by looking at these deep lines or Mukhis and also by observing the exterior surfaces of the different Mukhi Beads. The different Mukhi Beads have distinctly different growth patterns of the thorny surface protrusions

Rudraksa have many sizes and shapes to include round, elongated, semi circular, convex and flat. The smallest Rudraksa has the size equal to the black pepper and then larger to the size of garden peas and then the size of Amla Fruit. There are also extra large Collector Grade Rudraksa. Beads from Nepal are large, round with deep and well defined faces and have a natural hole and are much sought after . Others found commonly in Srilanka and South of India are flat and convex and holes have to be drilled in them. Indonesian beads are tiny in size with not so deep and defined mukhs on them.

In modern scientific studies specific to electromagnetic properties the larger Rudraksa were found to show maximum inductance and capacitance as compared to the smaller ones. This information verifies the Vedic Knowledge regarding why Rudraksa of larger size have been praised in the Puranas. To confirm this again it is also normal to see pictures of the Gurus and Saints in India who are wearing Malas of the larger Rudraksa

Due to the increasing importance and price of Rudraksa it is also made artificially and these artificial Rudraksa continue to be sold in limited quantities in the marketplace

One of the most common artificial Rudraksa sold are the 1 Mukhi Round that is actually a 3,4 or 5 Mukhi Round Bead with all lines except one filled in with glue and powdered Rudraksa from another bead. When floated in hot water the glue softens exposing the Bead. Also seeds from trees having fruits similar in look to Rudraksha are sold with one line carved on them. They can only be recognized by their look, feel , weight and smell by experienced people. The artificial 1 Mukhi Rounds normally sell in the area of US $500.00 and more. Investigations by Rudra Centre has revealed that round 1 mukhi has not been produced by any tree of Nepal till date , which only shows that all these sold are fake without needing much further investigation.

Balls made of synthetic material are also carved with 21 to 27 lines and are beautiful collector items. Examples of these are found in our fake bead section and they are really beautiful works of art for the collector. The lines carved on these beads are normally shallow and the surface of the Bead does not normally have the deep contours of the real Rudraksa Beads.

In the general market place there is said to be other criteria to recognize authentic Rudraksa such as sinking and floating of Rudraksa in water and spinning between two coins. These are not correct criteria. Rudraksa Beads are simply recognized as a natural authentic Bead by inspecting the Mukhis and different thorny surfaces and then purchasing according to the quality desired

Generally the 5 Mukhi Rudraksa are found easily. Rudraksa having 2, 3, 4, 6, 7 and 8 Mukhis are found in less quantity and their price is generally more than the 5 Mukhi Rudraksa. Prices are established according to rarity in the market place and are also determined by the quality of production of any one year. Production is represented by about 20% highest quality and 60% average quality. It needs to be mentioned that there are at least two grades of Rudraksa that can be purchased

The price paid for Rudraksa does not affect its religious or spiritual or medicinal importance or value. Retail prices range widely depending on where Rudraksa are purchased. There is no link or connection with the price of Rudraksa or the buying and selling of Rudraksa and its religious and spiritual and medicinal effectiveness and importance. What is most important is that the Rudraksa be authentic and of high quality