By Hemant Sharma Tiger nails, also known as “Vajra Nakh”, are revered in Indian and Tibetan traditions for their spiritual, medicinal, and protective properties. Believed to ward off negative energies, boost courage, and promote healing, tiger nails are often worn as amulets or kept in households. Due to their high demand and limited availability, fake tiger nails are frequently sold in the market, making it essential to know how to identify original tiger nails before purchase.
1. Understanding Tiger Nails
- True tiger nails are naturally curved, strong, and sharp, sourced from the claws of tigers.
- They are typically used in rituals, meditation, or as talismans, and are not decorative imitations.
- Imitations are often made from bone, resin, plastic, or other animal claws.
2. Physical Appearance
a) Color and Texture
- Original tiger nails are yellowish, brown, or off-white, with a slightly translucent tip.
- They have a natural gradient, darker at the base and lighter at the tip.
- Fake nails are often uniform in color, overly white, or artificially dyed, lacking natural variation.
b) Shape and Curvature
- True tiger nails have a gentle, natural curve, tapering to a sharp tip.
- The curvature is smooth and consistent, reflecting natural growth patterns.
- Fake tiger nails may be too straight, too curved, or artificially carved, indicating they are man-made.
c) Surface and Growth Lines
- Genuine tiger nails show fine vertical ridges or growth lines, which are natural features.
- Fake nails often have a smooth, polished surface without ridges, signaling synthetic production.
3. Weight and Density
- Original tiger nails are made of keratin, the same protein as human nails and hair, giving them a light but firm feel.
- They are slightly heavier than plastic or resin imitations but lighter than bone or metal replicas.
- Gently pressing a real tiger nail should not bend easily, whereas fake materials may feel too soft or brittle.
4. Touch and Smell Test
- When held, genuine tiger nails feel slightly rough or textured, not smooth like plastic.
- Rubbing the nail gently may release a mild natural scent, similar to keratin, especially if it has not been chemically treated.
- Fake tiger nails may feel completely smooth, plasticky, or have an artificial chemical smell.
5. Heat Test (Optional and Cautious)
- A very small test with heat can help identify real tiger nails: gently warm the tip near a flame without burning it.
- Original keratin nails may smell faintly like hair or horn, whereas synthetic or plastic nails emit a strong chemical odor.
- This test should be done carefully to avoid damaging the item.
6. Certification and Source Verification
- Due to wildlife protection laws (like the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972), genuine tiger nails are rare and regulated.
- Authentic items may come with certificates of authenticity, usually from licensed traders or spiritual centers.
- Always buy from trusted sources, as fake tiger nails are widespread in online and street markets.
Quick Comparison Table: Original vs Fake Tiger Nail
| Feature | Original Tiger Nail | Fake Tiger Nail |
| Color | Yellowish-brown, natural gradient | Uniform, overly white or dyed |
| Shape | Natural gentle curve, tapered tip | Too straight or artificially shaped |
| Surface | Fine vertical growth lines | Smooth, polished, synthetic |
| Weight | Light but firm | Too light (plastic) or too heavy (bone/metal) |
| Touch & Smell | Slightly rough, mild keratin smell | Smooth, artificial smell |
| Certification | May have authenticity certificate | Usually no verification |
Final Thoughts
Identifying original tiger nails requires careful observation of color, curvature, surface, weight, touch, and source verification. Genuine tiger nails carry not only spiritual significance but also cultural and medicinal value. With the prevalence of fakes in the market, buyers must exercise caution, rely on trusted sources, and, when possible, seek certified items. Correct identification ensures that the tiger nail serves its intended protective and ritualistic purposes while honoring wildlife conservation laws.