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Helpful Guidelines for
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Fine quality gems have the power to increase the favorable results of benevolent planetary influences as well as diminish the unfavorable influences. This unique ability has added mystery and inscrutability to their obvious beauty and desirability the world over.
Care must be taken in choosing gemstones to wear on the body, especially if those stones are related to the naturally malefic or malevolent planets, namely, Mars, Saturn, Rahu and Ketu. In wearing an astrological gemstone, you increase the strength of the planet which has a resonance with that gem. If the planet is badly aspected in the birth chart, then you may only succeed in increasing the planet’s negative energy in your life. Having a qualified Vedic astrologer or practitioner of jyotish check this out for you is highly recommended. Or, if you have used a dowsing pendulum with good success over a long period of time, then you may get an accurate indication from the pendulum as to whether a particular gem would be suitable for you or for someone else for whom you are testing it.
Another method for determining which gem may be suitable for a person is to wear the gem associated with the planet whose major period of influence is now operating in the person’s life.
Gems are typically set in rings or pendants — ALWAYS with an open back setting. If the stone is translucent, such as diamond or emerald, the gem need not touch the skin since light takes the energy of the gem into the skin. If the stone is opaque, such as pearl or red coral, then the gem MUST touch the skin.
Gems can also be set in earrings, nose posts, amulets or even objects of common usage, such as pens, knives or cups. But these are less effective since the objects limit the gem’s contact with the body.
Ideally, a gem should first be placed on the body on the day associated with the planet it is meant to pacify or strengthen:
Ruby or Garnet on Sunday. If it is a ring, it should be worn on the ring finger.
Pearl or Moonstone on Monday. If it is a ring, it should be worn on the ring finger.
Red Coral and Cat’s Eye on Tuesday. If it is a ring, it should be worn on the ring finger.
Green Emerald, Aquamarine or Peridot on Wednesday. If it is a ring, it should be worn ideally on the little finger or on the ring finger.
Yellow Sapphire, Topaz or Citrine on Thursday. If it is a ring, it should be worn ideally on the index finger or on the ring finger.
Diamond on Friday. If it is a ring, it should be worn on the ring finger.
Blue Sapphire or Lapis Lazuli and Hessonite on Saturday. If it is a ring, it should be worn ideally on the middle finger or on the ring finger.
Ruby for Sun with an ideal minimun weight of 2.5 carats set in Gold or gold & copper.
Pearl for Moon with an ideal weights of 2, 4, 6 or 11 carats set in Silver.
Coral for Mars with an ideal weight of 6 carats set in Gold or gold & copper.
Emerald for Mercury with an ideal minimum weight of 3 carat set in Gold or white gold or silver or platinum or bronze.
Yellow Sapphire for Jupiter with an ideal minimum weight of 3 carats set in Gold.
Diamond for Venus with an ideal minimum weight of 1.5 carats set in Silver, white gold or Platinum.
Blue Sapphire for Saturn with an ideal minumum weight of 5 carats set in Gold or iron or steel or a mixture of iron & silver.
Hessonite for Rahu with an ideal minimum weight of 5 carats set in Gold or a mixture of iron, silver, copper, gold & zinc.
Cat’s Eye for Ketu with an ideal minimum weight of 5 carats set in Gold or mixture of iron, silver, copper, gold & zinc
In Vedic astrological gem lore, it is recommended to AVOID the following combinations of gems in shared settings other than in a Navaratna setting:
Ruby and DiamondRuby and Blue sapphire
Ruby and Hessonite
Ruby and Cat’s Eye
Pearl and Blue Sapphire
Pearl and Cat’s Eye
Blue Sapphire and Yellow Sapphire
Yellow Sapphire and Emerald
Ruby is one of the gemstones of the corundum family along with sapphires. It is most attractive when it is crystal clear and transparent because its brilliance will be at its peak. This is not the case when its distribution of color is uneven with spots or streaks. Ruby is the hardest mineral next to diamond. It is found in a variety of crimson and scarlet red colors ranging from pink to a deep ruddy violet color. The most desirable color for a ruby is the so-called ‘pigeon’s blood’ which is pure red with a hint of blue. Heat treatment is commonly used to improve the color of rubies. When choosing an astrological gemstone to pacify an afflicted Sun planet in the horoscope, such ‘heat treated’ stones should be avoided. This applies to all heat treated stones. None are recommended for astrological purposes.
The Four Classifications of Rubies
There are four natural divisions of labor which indicate four basic groups of people. These natural divisions can be found throughout the world, throughout the history of every civilization for they are universal and archetypal. Most people will resonate with one or perhaps two of the following four fundamental categories:
1. teacher/advisor/healer — brahman
2. leader/organizer/protector — kshatriya
3. merchant/businessman/farmer — vaishya
4. craftsman/tradesman/laborer — shudra
Generally speaking, the first category of teacher/advisor/healer refers to people who prefer intellectual, scientific and spiritual pursuits. The second group, leader/organizer/protector represents people who may be attracted to politics, advocacy, the military, police work, etc. The third division referred to above as merchant/businessman/farmer is primarily concerned with economic production and financial growth and management. The fourth group, namely craftsperson/tradesperson/laborer is typically people who are skilled at working with their hands or utilizing their physical ability.
There is an interesting allegory offered in the Puranas or ancient histories of India. Therein, the Creator of the material universe and everything within it is called Brahma, which is another name for one who is divinely inspired or spiritually attuned. It is stated that from the head of the creator, the brahmans were produced and that is why they are drawn to learning and the higher pursuits of life. Among them, we find the realized souls, whose contemplation on the Supreme results in greater knowledge for the rest of us and a clearer definition of the ultimate goal of life.
For the brahman, the teacher/advisor/healer category, the ruby should be rose-colored, light in tint, transparent and radiant. Such a stone is best suited for learned and spiritually inclined people.
From the hands of Brahma, the creator, the kshatriyas were fashioned. They protect the other classifications of beings from being preyed upon by criminals and thieves. They provide a safe atmosphere in which laws are enforced and people are then free to ply their trades and pursue their goals without fear. These are the people who are born for positions of power and authority, not to use them to oppress others or aggrandize themselves, but to see to the smooth functioning of civilization.
As regards a kshatriya, the second category of leader/organizer/protector, the stone should be blood red in color as a reflection of their passion and zeal to champion the welfare of the people. Such a ruby should be transparent, emitting light evenly throughout. It should radiate light itself and be resplendent with beauty and luster. Such a stone is well-suited for those in positions of power and authority.
Vaishyas were born from the stomach of the creator. Their job is to feed the hungry stomachs of all four societal classifications and take care of their material and economic needs, whatever they may be.
A ruby suitable for the vaishya person, the merchant/businessman/farmer classification, should be crimson red in color, possess a radiant appearance and be beautifully transparent, allowing light to pass through impartially. Such a stone will promote business and economic success for the vaishya.
From the feet of Brahma, the creator, the shudras or laborers marched forth. They are meant to be helpful and provide necessary services to the others, just as the feet are meant to serve the needs of the rest of the body.
For the shudra, the craftsman/tradesman/laborer division, the ruby can be less transparent with a somewhat dirty reddish or bluish tint. Mixed color stones are best which have a lesser degree of radiance than the other three categories. Such a stone would also be less expensive as well. This stone would provide a stronger sense of self-confidence and self-worth to the shudra person.
Green Emerald, Mercury’s Stone
Emerald is the most precious gemstone within the beryl family of gems. Since there is no other green resembling that of the emerald, it is known as “emerald green.” Though most emeralds are clouded by inclusions, they are not necessarily regarded as flaws but moreover, are seen to be proof of the authenticity of the gem in comparison with synthetic reproductions and various other imitations.
How to Choose a Quality Green Emerald
The emerald should have a deep velvety reflection. It should possess a clear transparence which makes it even costlier than diamond since it is harder to find. It should have a rich, deep, consistent color that is reminiscent of a blade of fresh grass. It should possess a smoothness reflecting a beautiful cut and fine finish. Its peaceful vibration should captivate the heart.
The Four Classifications of Emeralds
1. For the brahman, the teacher/advisor/healer category, the emerald should be the color of a blade of fresh grass. Such a stone is ideal for learned and spiritually inclined people because it will enhance intellect and bestow balance and impartiality.
2. With regard to a kshatriya, the second category of leader/organizer/protector, the emerald should have a rich green color. Such a stone is well-suited for those in positions of power and authority since it will increase their ability to make decisions and bestow clarity of thought.
3. An emerald suitable for the vaishya, the merchant/businessman/farmer classification, should be yellow-green in color similar to the feathers of a parrot. Such a stone will promote profits and enhance business gains for the vaishya. Also, emeralds that resemble the green in peacock feathers will lead to financial success.
4. For the shudra, the craftsman/tradesman/laborer division, an emerald possessing a dark green hue is best. Such a stone would calm the nerves and promote health for the shudra person.
Formation of a pearl inside an oyster occurs because of the presence of foreign material inside the body of the oyster. To save itself from the undesired material, the mollusk coats the object with layer after layer of nacre. It takes many years for a mollusk to produce a pearl of substantial size. The process through which the pearls are formed inside the body of a mollusk is very delicate, and a little disturbance at any stage of the development of a pearl can influence its shape and luster. The finest pearl is that which has no foreign matter in its core.
Pearls are said to be obtained from eight separate and widely different sources. The first and by far the most common is the Oyster Pearl which is called Shukti-mukta in the Sanskrit language. This pearl is formed inside the body of pearl oysters from alternating layers of aragonite and an organic compound known as conchiolin. Indian mystics suggest that it is produced by the first raindrops that fall when the Moon is in the constellation of Swati. Pearl can assume five different forms according to the influence of the five major elements.
1. If the pearl is sculpted under the influence of the etheric element, it possesses no luster and is rather light in weight.
2. If the pearl is developed with a predominance of the air element, it possesses a bluish tint and gives off light when in the presence of light.
3. If the pearl is shaped under the influence of the fire element, it possesses a reddish or rose-colored hue and gives off a reddish light when in the presence of light.
4. If the pearl is molded under the influence of the earth element, it is typically heavy in weight and poor in quality.
5. If the pearl is formed under the auspices of the water element which is the Moon’s natural element, it takes on a brilliant, pure white coloration and truly reflects the hues of the spectrum. It possesses a shimmering glow and is generally smooth, spotless and round like the full Moon. It appears as though water is circulating upon its surface.
Oyster pearls of premier quality are always formed by the water element. These pearls are related directly to the Moon and are the preferable choice. A genuine, high quality pearl should possess the following traits:
Its shape should be spherical and perfectly round. It should be attractive with a soft sheen or surface luster and possess a beautiful quality of reflection. Its whiteness should shine like the full Moon in autumn. It should be spotless, smooth, and free from flaws, such as indentations, ridges or scratches.
A person who wears such a pearl will be blessed with good fortune and wealth by Shri, the Goddess of Fortune herself, who is Vishnu’s (God’s) divine, feminine counterpart. Such a soul will enjoy a long life while becoming freed from past negative karma. His intellect and insight will expand and words of wisdom will be ever upon his lips. His good name and reputation will be celebrated far and wide.
A pearl with a yellow color brings prosperity. A red colored pearl will develop one’s intellectual acumen. A bluish pearl will be the bearer of good fortune and a pearl the color of a white lotus flower will make one famous.
Avoid wearing oddly shaped pearls. They are usually inexpensive and you may end up paying a greater price in the form of harmful vibrations, negative energy and bad luck. Pearls should not be kept in cotton since it may cause scratches, cracks or waves in their surface.
The remaining seven sources of pearls are as follows:
2. Sky Pearl is known in Sanskrit as Megha-mukta. It is said that when rain falls while the Moon is situated in the constellations of Shravana or Pushya on a Sunday or a Monday, this pearl will fall to earth along with the raindrops. It is formed within clouds and can be a brilliant yellow or a slate gray color like the sky with yellowish tint to it. This round stone gives off a kind of glittering light which reminds one of lightning from the heavens. It is believed that the gods are the first to grab such a pearl, since they are the closest to it. Then, when they see a worthy soul down here on earth with whom they are pleased, they send the Megha-mukta down to him and direct him to its place of discovery. Such a person is truly blessed by the gods. Not only does the Sky Pearl fulfill all the desires its owner may have but it can also aid him in discovering hidden treasures from deep within the earth. And such discoveries may occur repeatedly within his lifetime.
3. Cobra Pearl is known as Sarpa-mukta in Sanskrit. This pearl is formed within the hood of a king cobra when raindrops fall into the snake’s mouth under the Moon’s influence when it is situated in the sky in the constellation known as Swati. But it only happens to a cobra who has lived more than 100 years. It is said that after the pearl is produced within its hood, the cobra develops the power to transform itself in any form it chooses. As the snake continues to age, the gem continues to expand in size and in luster. Such a pearl resembles the Moon in that it is perfectly round. This radiant stone has a bluish tint and actually radiates light in the darkness. If a person is fortunate enough to come into possession of such a pearl, he becomes blessed with children, wealth and property. Further, all his desires will be fulfilled. All negative or inauspicious effects will be removed from the bearer of such a pearl. A cobra, upon losing his pearl, is said to lose his life as well.
4. Bamboo Pearl is called Bansh-mukta. This pearl is found in the hollow of a bamboo and is greenish in color and has the shape of a berry. When the Moon transits the constellations of Swati, Pushya or Shravana and the rain falls, the Bamboo Pearl is said to be formed within the stalk of a certain type of bamboo. A grove of this bamboo is thought to make a peculiar noise when the wind blows through it which resembles the sound of the chanting of Sanskrit mantras in a very low pitch. This pearl can only be discovered by a very fortunate soul for whom it will be the bestower of good fortune, good name and fame, respect and virtue, wealth and peace. The Bamboo Pearl is too hard to be drilled and as such cannot be strung upon a necklace. It is also quite large in size.
5. Hog Pearl is known as Shukara-mukta in the ancient Sanskrit vernacular. Hog Pearl is found in the head of a hog and is usually quite big in size like its producer. It has a nice roundness and is a mustard yellow in color. Highly rare and next to impossible to find, it is purported to possess siddhis or mystical powers which it bestows on its wearer. It bestows vak-siddhi or a particular power of speech which gives its wearer the blessing that whatever he utters comes true. Also, it delivers swara-siddhi or the gift of heavenly song. Such a person will not only become an amazing singer but the sound vibration of his voice will be able to produce clouds in the sky or rain or fire when specific ragas or melodies are sung. By wearing a Hog Pearl, a woman will give birth to a child with astounding qualities. It can also aid one in developing a photographic memory whereby one can read or hear something only once and retain it within the memory.
6. Elephantine Pearl is called Gaj-mukta in Sanskrit. This pearl is produced within the temple of the Airavata breed of elephants. Such an elephant would have to be born on a Sunday or Monday while the Moon resides in the constellations of Pushya or Shravana. This is a very rare occurrence. Even then, it would not guarantee that the elephant born on that day would produce such a pearl. The Elephantine Pearl is beautifully round in shape, shines like the Moon itself and is the size of a small fruit. This pearl creates peace and tranquility. Wearing the Gaj-mukta will remove obstacles from one’s life and bestow peace, prosperity and wealth.
7. The Conch Pearl is known as Shanka-mukta in Sanskrit. This is a shell-based pearl like the Oyster Pearl but this pearl is produced in a conch shell. It has been found to be as large as an egg and is of the same oval shape. Also, like various types of eggs, it can be brown in color, white, light yellow or pale blue. Though less radiant than other pearls, it is sometimes distinctly marked with three stripes and cannot be drilled. Wearing this pearl eradicates poverty, bestows prosperity and stable wealth, the birth of children and peace. It also removes negative karmic reaction from past activities both from this lifetime and from previous lifetimes. It acts like a chintamani, a wish-fulfilling gem described in the Vedas, in that it fulfills all one’s desires.
8. Fish Pearl is also called Meena-mukta in the Sanskrit language. This small, pea-sized pearl is nurtured in the stomach or womb of a fish and is yellowish-white in color. Reputed to be very powerful, this stone can cure various diseases including tuberculosis. Ancient lore has it that Fish Pearl can enable one to see underwater, much like a fish. What scuba diver wouldn’t appreciate this?
A cultured pearl produced by the method of introducing foreign matter into the body of an oyster has the same qualities as a real pearl. It is almost impossible to tell the difference between the two varieties. Ayurvedic doctors, Vedic astrologers and gem therapists have come to accept the cultured pearl as a viable alternative to the naturally occurring pearl since the latter is so hard to come by nowadays. Fortunately, cultured pearls seem to have the same effect on the human organism as genuine pearls. Incidentally, about half the oysters that are surgically induced to produce cultured pearls perish in the process.
Natural pearls which are available on the market are also artificially created like cultured pearls. The difference is that the foreign object introduced into the natural pearl is actual mother-of-pearl and not a ball of glass or some such substance as in the cultured pearl. Natural, fresh-water pearls have a bluish tint to them and are preferable to cultured pearls.
The Four Classifications of Pearls
1. For the brahman, the teacher/advisor/healer category, the pearl should be pure and white. Such a stone is ideal for learned and spiritually inclined people.
2. With regard to a kshatriya, the second category of leader/organizer/protector, the pearl should have a rosy or pink hue. Such a stone is well-suited for those in positions of power and authority since it will increase their intellectual acumen and strengthen their power.
3. A pearl suitable for the vaishya person, the merchant/businessman/farmer classification, should be yellowish in color. Such a stone will promote business and economic success for the vaishya.
4. For the shudra, the craftsman/tradesman/laborer division, the preferable stone is a black pearl. Such a stone would bring peace and a sense of well-being to the shudra person.
When Mars is weak or afflicted in a person’s birth chart, it is recommended that the person wear a red coral set in a copper or gold ring with an open back setting so that the stone is able to physically touch the skin.
Coral is formed by plants and animals in warm seas by a tiny invertebrate that dwells in quiet waters and is found in depths ranging from 20 to 1000 feet. Just as ants prepare anthills, the insect building and inhabiting a coral reef produces a plant-like structure with multiple branches. There it lives in vast colonies with other such coral-producing creatures. Since it rarely grows more than an inch in diameter, it is mostly harvested and used in making round beads and oval pieces for rings, pendants and amulets. It takes many years for a coral reef to mature to a stage wherein it is suitable for use in jewelry. Coral is harvested from the sea from March to October.
The shade of coral whose red color is caused by the presence of iron oxide, depends on the depth at which it is found. Corals of the best color are found between depths of 100 and 160 feet. They are of a deep red color similar to an unripe cherry. Deeper than that its color tends to be too light. Its color can range from white to rose to vermilion to a rich, deep scarlet red. Coral can also be found in beige, yellow ochre, chocolate brown and black although the chemical composition is actually different in the black shade.
How to Choose a Quality Red Coral
The coral should possess a deep red color which is uniform throughout the stone. The stone should have a consistent and pleasing symmetrical shape which should be round or oval with an even surface. The coral should be smooth with no indentations, holes, perforations or pitting. Choose a stone of generous size, the minimum being 6 carats. Your coral should be shiny and honey-like in its polished beauty.
Coral stones of vermilion, rust or brownish red color can also be beneficial if they possess the above qualifications. A person who wears or possesses a high quality coral is blessed with good fortune. It removes negative vibrations and energies. It protects one from possession by evil spirits, ghosts and disembodied beings or the illusion or fear of such torments. It staves off vibrations of dislike, hatred and jealousy from others. Repeated chanting of a name of God using a coral mala or rosary of 108 beads bestows siddhis or mystical powers.
Coral is a delicate stone and should not be worn while working with acidic foods, such as lemon, vinegar, buttermilk or yogurt. It may scratch easily and should be kept away from other jewelry and metals.
Yellow sapphire is known as pushpa-raga in Sanskrit and pukhraj in the Hindi language. It is a close relative of blue sapphire since it too belongs to the corundum family of gemstones. It is found in several colors, namely, yellow, gold and orange, and even a colorless variety known as white sapphire. The best quality gem is said to be of a lemon-yellow color.
How to Choose a Quality Yellow Sapphire
The yellow sapphire should possess a self-luminous quality, uniformly emitting light from its entire surface. It should have a pleasing appearance and a sparkling, velvety luster that is visible to the naked eye. The yellow sapphire’s transparency should reveal it to be clean and pure. It should be solid and possess a hard and even surface. The yellow sapphire should display a uniformity of color. It should be smooth to the touch and not have an irregular shape. When placed on the palm, the yellow sapphire should feel heavy, revealing a high specific gravity.
The Four Classifications of Yellow Sapphire
1. For the brahman, the teacher/advisor/healer category, the yellow sapphire should be of whitish-yellow color. Such a stone would suit learned and spiritually inclined people by expanding their wisdom and understanding.
2. With regard to a kshatriya, the second category of leader/organizer/protector, the yellow sapphire should possess a rosy or pink tint. Such a stone is well-suited for those in positions of power and authority since it will develop their intuition and bring their innate wisdom into conscious command.
3. For the vaishya, the merchant/businessman/farmer classification, the yellow sapphire should be golden in color which will promote profits and enhance business gains for the vaishya.
4. For the shudra, the craftsman/tradesman/laborer division, a yellow sapphire possessing a darker hue is best. Such a stone would promote calm and good relations with others.
In the Sanskrit language, diamond is called vajra which means lightning bolt. The hardest stone known to man, the diamond is pure carbon. It possesses the most compact arrangement of carbon atoms in nature. People most often think of the diamond as colorless but it can be found in several hues including pink, blue, yellow, brown and black. The diamond has intense fire and tremendous brilliance. It is known for its play of shimmering colors, most particularly an elegant mixture of bluish and reddish radiance when exposed to light. It actually gives off sparks of light in its resplendent luminosity.
Possessing the self-luminous quality of clear crystal, it has an incomparable effulgence and a penetrating radiance. It is as pleasant and soothing to look at as the Moon and, like the Moon, it excites romantic sentiment. Its prismatic refraction of light generates rainbows of light everywhere. Since it is actually difficult to moisten a diamond, it appears to float when placed in water. A drop of water placed on a diamond will not disperse — it remains in droplet form even when turned upside down.
Diamonds were regarded as less valuable than rubies, pearls and emeralds as recently as the 13th century. It was then that stone cutters in India figured out a way to cut this hard stone. They discovered that facets could be cut into the diamond by using a grinding wheel upon which was mounted another diamond. The sculpting of such facets increased the brilliance of the diamond and enhanced its fire or play of colors. When properly cut the diamond reflects light to such an extent that it has the highest refractive index of any gem.
Vedic knowledge delineates eight types of diamonds, chiefly based on color variation:
1. Kamala-pati or Lotus Lord — this transparent diamond is a pinkish white in color, like the color of a lotus petal. It is preferred by Vishnu, the Preserver, who is the husband of the Goddess of Fortune, Kamala or Lakshmi.
2. Hamsa-pati or Swan Lord — this diamond is of a transparent whitish color resembling the white feathers of a swan or a conchshell. It is the favorite of Brahma, the Creator.
3. Vasanti — this transparent diamond gives off a yellowish white color and radiates a hue similar to yellow sapphire or a marigold flower. It is the choice of Shiva, the Destroyer.
4. Vanas-pati or Lord of the Waters — this diamond which gives off a bluish green emanation, is greenish white in color, resembling blue-green aquamarine. It is the choice of Varuna, the god of the oceans and seas.
5. Vajra-nila or Blue Lightning Bolt — the bluish white color of this transparent stone resembles the neck of a blue-jay. It emits a delicate blue effulgence and is the favorite of Indra, the king of the lesser gods and the ruler of the heavenly realms within the material creation.
6. Shyama-vajra or Dark Lightning Bolt — the dark luster of this diamond is due to its smoky gray color. It is preferred by Yama, the god who dispenses law, justice and retribution for souls after death.
7. Telia — this dark, oily colored diamond is another favorite of Yama. It has a smoothness similar to oil.
8. Samloyi — though this dazzling diamond is of a pale green or yellow green color, it emits a reddish-brown luster.
How to Choose a Quality Diamond
It should be colorless but emanate spectacular reddish, bluish or rainbow-colored rays of light. It must be pure in its transparency and shine with a dazzling luster. The surface of the diamond must be hard and smooth. Its resplendent appearance should be delightful to the eye.
The Four Classifications of Diamond
1. For the brahman, the teacher/advisor/healer category, the diamond should be bright and colorless while possessing a bluish tint and radiating a bluish effulgence and a reddish radiance. It should be without flaws or spots of varying colors. Such a stone develops and refines mental powers, and enhances pure thought and right action. It serves as a catalyst for higher consciousness in its wearer and is ideal for learned and spiritually inclined people.
2. With regard to a kshatriya, the second category of leader/organizer/protector, the diamond should have a whitish hue and give off a red ray. Or it should resemble the eye of a rabbit with a pinkish hue or it should be yellowish or reddish. Free from flaws, it will inspire courage and will power. Such a stone is believed to make warriors invincible.
3. An diamond suitable for the vaishya, the merchant/businessman/farmer classification, should be yellowish white in color and radiate a lemon yellow hue. Free from spots and inclusions, such a stone will promote prosperity and create a kingdom for the vaishya.
4. For the shudra, the craftsman/tradesman/laborer division, a diamond should be dark or smoky in appearance with a blackish tint. This transparent stone will increase love and inspiration in the heart of the craftsman and a sense of service in the mind of the worker.
Belonging to the corundum family of gems, blue sapphire is known as indra-nlla or nila-mani in the Sanskrit language. Gemstone quality corundums of all colors except red are called sapphire. Red sapphire is known as ruby. Light red, pink or violet corundums are generally referred to as sapphires. If they were termed rubies, they would be considered to be stones of inferior quality. White, yellow, green, orange and pink sapphires are also commonly found along with rubies and blue sapphires. The most sought-after color is the pure cornflower blue. Blue sapphire crystals which are harder than ruby are most commonly found with twelve-sided prisms. Ruby crystals are usually six-sided prisms. Inclusions of rutile needles perfectly aligned, causes the beautiful formation of the star sapphire.
How to Choose a Quality Blue Sapphire
A quality blue sapphire must be well cut, smooth to the touch and have a beautiful shape. The color should be a pure cornflower blue or comparable to the blue of a peacock’s neck. It should possess a high specific gravity which means it is a stone of good weight. The blue sapphire should be transparent and its color should be even and uniform throughout. It should emit rays of light from within and display a star-like effect when exposed to a light source.
The Four Classifications of Blue Sapphires
1. For the brahman, the teacher/advisor/healer category, the sapphire should be white or light blue in color. Such a stone increases depth, provides a more serious and philosophical approach to life and inspires discipline for learned and spiritually inclined people.
2. With regard to a kshatriya, the second category of leader/organizer/protector, the blue sapphire should have a reddish hue. Such a stone enables the protector or champion of the people to bear the great burden of responsibility expected of him and it greatly enhances his organizational skills.
3. A sapphire suitable for the vaishya person, the merchant/businessman/farmer classification, should possess a deep blue hue. Such a stone will stabilize business prospects and lead to long-term success for the vaishya.
4. For the shudra, the craftsman/tradesman/laborer division, a dark-colored blue sapphire is preferable. Such a stone would bring favor with employers and greater job prospects for the shudra person.
Hessonite Garnet (Cinnamon Stone), Rahu’s Stone
The Sanskrit name for this rare gem is gomedak or gomed. Hessonite is easily found in opaque form but not as easily found in translucent or gemstone quality. Actually, hessonite is a member of the zirconium family. Zirconium or zircon has a wide range of colors including brown, yellow, orange, blue, green, red, and white or colorless. The white or colorless variety is used as a substitute for diamond, Venus’s stone. A good quality hessonite used in the pacification of the planet, Rahu, should be honey-colored or golden brown. Hence, its other name, cinnamon stone.
How to Choose a Quality Hessonite
Its color should be a golden brown, honey color. It should have a uniform color, an even surface and a waxy or adamantine finish. It should possess a high specific gravity or weight. A quality hessonite should be transparent. It should be smooth to the touch and free from layers. It should possess an attractive cut and be of good size. It should give off its own light or brilliance.
The Four Classifications of Hessonite
1. For the brahman, the teacher/advisor/healer category, the hessonite should be a cinnamon hue or a golden honey color. Such a stone increases one’s detachment from material pursuits and the gratification of the senses. It inspires scholarship and raises one’s consciousness toward a more philosophical approach to life. It is suitable for learned and spiritually inclined people.
2. With regard to a kshatriya, the second category of leader/organizer/protector, the hessonite should be brown with a reddish tint. Such a stone enables the leader or organizer to bear the great burden of responsibility expected of him. It will also embolden him with fearlessness when undertaking expeditions and adventures.
3. For the vaishya person, the merchant/businessman/farmer classification, the hessonite should be of a reddish brown color and suggest a slightly yellowish hue. Such a stone will increase his ability to detect the deceptions of others and increase his humility in the face of success.
4. For the shudra, the craftsman/tradesman/laborer division, a reddish yellow or cinnamon brown hessonite is preferable. Such a stone would help the shudra person overcome his personal frustrations and help him outpace his rivals. It will also increase his self-control.
One form of the mineral, chrysoberyl, is commonly called cat’s eye or chrysoberyl cat’s eye. It is referred to as vaidurya in the Sanskrit language. Fine, parallel inclusions produce a silky-white, thin line which moves like a ray of light in a cabochon cut stone as the stone is turned. It resembles the gleaming pupil in the eye of a cat. There are other forms of cat’s eye such as quartz cat’s eye but these are always designated with the name of the mineral preceding the term, ‘cat’s eye.’ The brighter the white, chatoyant fibers in the eye of the stone, the higher the quality of the gem.
The finest quality cat’s eye is golden in color with a bright white chatoyance resembling the eye of a cat. It is called kanak-khet.
The next variety is a smoky hued cat’s eye whose gleaming pupil is not quite as white as the golden stone. It is known as dhum-khet.
The third type of cat’s eye is dark brown in color with a bright silky-white chatoyance or pupil. It is called krishna-khet.
How to Choose a Quality Cat’s Eye
Its silky-white line or chatoyance should be straight and brilliant in appearance It should possess a high specific gravity or weight. The stone should be smooth to the touch.
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 Golden South Sea Pearl Pendant $ 660.- |
 Cat's Eye Chrysoberyl Ring $ 1090.- |
 Golden South Sea Pearl Pendant $ 230.- |
 Green Tourmaline Ring $ 4500.- |
 White South Sea Pearl Pendant $ 495.- |