Gemstones (Ratna)

Gemstones have fascinated mankind since time immemorial. This is so firstly because of their mesmerising beauty, alluring colors and optical effects and secondly because of their rich history and mystic qualities. In almost all ancient civilizations be it Dharmic, Chinese, Egyptian, Persian, Roman, Greek and more Gemstones have been cherished and treasured as a prized possession. Kings and royalty have adorned gemstones to flaunt their wealth and to derive various benefits from them. Gemstones have often been associated with qualities such as power, protection, fearlessness, vigour and creativity. In many cultures they were regarded as gifts from the Divine, often also associated with blessings of a particular Deity. Formed deep within the earth’s crust under high pressure gemstone encompasses within them abundant energy. Gemstones are mostly minerals or an assortment of minerals but other times organic materials such as pearl and coral are also classified as gemstones.

About Gemstones

Mostly gemstones are naturally occurring minerals or crystals that are mined from deep within the planet. Gemstones have abundant positive energy and have been used since ancient times for healing and other mystic properties. They are beautiful, rare, and durable and have been used as jewellery and also ritualistic purposes. In Vedic culture, gemstones have been much gloried and have been used extensively as well, especially in Vedic Astrology. In Vedic Astrology, Gemstones are prescribed as one of the remedial techniques to cleanse one’s negative Karma and yield rich benefits. Various gemstones find bold mention in ancient Vedic scriptures such as Vedas, Upanishads and Puranas including the Rig Veda, Garuda Purana and Srimad Bhagavad Gita. Vedic Astrology which is an inseparable part of various ancient scriptures of Sanatan Dharma mentions the significance of various Gemstones and their relationship with Navgraha (9 Planets). The 9 primary gemstones known as Navratna are associated with the 9 Planets. Out of these nine, the five most precious gemstones are classified as the Panchratna which symbolize the Panchtatva or the five elements. The Panchratna gemstones are Ruby, Pearl, Emerald, Diamond and Blue Sapphire. Then there are the Saptaratna or the seven most precious gemstones. Saptaratna are the five Panchratna plus Yellow Sapphire and Red Coral and finally there are Navratna wherein Hessonite and Cat’s Eye also get added to the list.

What are Precious Gemstones (Navratna)

Depending upon their rarity, demand, value, qualities and popularity gemstones are characterised as precious and semiprecious gemstones. There are some stones such as Rubies, Emeralds, Diamonds, and Sapphires that have been considered as precious gemstone across most civilizations and cultures, whereas other stones such as Amethyst, Opal, Peridot among others were initially considered as precious in some cultures but with new mines being found their status got reduced as semiprecious gemstones. But in Vedic Astrology the 9 most precious gemstones also known as Navratna have been constant. The Navratna are Ruby (Manik), Pearl (Moti), Emerald (Panna), Yellow Sapphire (Pukhraj), Diamond (Heera), Blue Sapphire (Neelam), Red Coral (Moonga), Hessonite (Gomedh), Cat’s Eye (Lehsunia).

What are Semiprecious Gemstones (Uparatna)

All gemstones other than the precious gemstones are classified as semiprecious gemstones. The distinction between precious and semi-precious gemstones is largely historical and cultural. In Vedic Astrology gemstones other than the Navratna are regarded as Uparatna or semiprecious stones, these are often used as an alternative to the rare and expensive Navratna. Some semiprecious such as amethyst, aquamarine, peridot, opal are very popular and sought-after due to their beauty and uniqueness. Some other such as Crystal, Lapis Lazuli, Garnet are popular as they are considered as first substitute for precious gemstones such as Diamond, Blue Sapphire and Ruby. Unique colors and characteristics of semiprecious gemstones make them equally desirable. They also hold significant value both in terms of their physical beauty and their perceived mystic qualities. It is just that semiprecious gemstones are not as rare as the precious ones.

Gemstone Working

Gemstones have abundant positive energy that is a given fact. Since time immemorial Gemstones have been used for their mystic, health, astrological and other benefits. The science behind how Gemstones really work is basically given in two interlinked theories. First being color or light therapy wherein the positive energies of the gemstone are absorbed by a person when sunlight passes through the stone and enters the body. The same effects happen when the human aura and aura of the stone get intermingled. This positive energy of the gemstones power Chakras of human bodies which are also associated with various Planets. The said energies of gemstones correspond to the energy of various Planets. It is believed that the gemstones vibrate at same frequency at which their ruling planets vibrate. Now just as the gemstone various colors are also associated with various planets. In case of precious gemstones the cosmic color of the stone can be different than the color of the stone itself. Like although Yellow Sapphire is yellow in color its cosmic color is blue i.e. when light passes through Yellow Sapphire the color which is emitted is blue (and not yellow) which is also the cosmic color of Jupiter. Semiprecious gemstones have same cosmic colors as their own colors. Thus this absorption of energies and frequencies is believed to be the reason how gemstones work. Also this the reason why transparent, untreated and gemstones with higher surface area are insisted in Vedic astrology.

Gemstones Benefits

Gemstones provide astrological, health, healing and other mystic benefits
Nine different precious gemstones pacify the nine ruling Planets thus ushering good health, fortune, prosperity, success and abundance
Gemstones improve focus, concentration, communication hence boosting self-confidence and energy levels
Gemstones can help in almost all aspects of day to day lives such as decision making, harmony in relations, removal of obstacles in path of success, aiding of all endeavour and much more
Gemstones also help heal and provide relief from various physical and mental ailments and diseases
Gemstones enhances positivity and repels negativity too
Gemstones when worn in their compatible metals enhances benefits of both the stone and the metal
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Types of Gemstones

Gemstones are primarily divided in to two types which are precious gemstones and semi-precious gemstones. Other than that depending upon their composition and minerals gemstones are also classified in to many families. There are nine precious Gemstones or Ratna. The list of nine precious gemstones is Ruby, Pearl, Emerald, Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Coral, Hessonite and Cat’s Eye. Then there are many about hundred semiprecious gemstones or Uparatna. As semiprecious gemstones are used as an alternative or substitute to rare and expensive precious gemstones. So, there are the best alternative and second best alternative to precious gemstones then there are some very popular semiprecious gemstones in themselves too thus there are about 20 popular semiprecious gemstones. List of most popular semiprecious gemstone of Uparatna is Amethyst, Blue Topaz, Green Jade, Moonstone, Opal, Peridot, Red Carnelian, Red Garnet, Rose Quartz, Tiger’s Eye, Yellow Topaz, Tourmaline, White Sapphire, Lapis Lazuli, Iolite, Aqua Marine and Turquoise.

Significance of Gemstones

Throughout history in various cultures gemstones have held significant value. They have remained as symbol of riches or treasure, beauty, power and spirituality in almost all ancient civilizations. Their healing and mystic properties have transcended cultures, religions and civilizations. They have been part of folklores and stories since time immemorial. For instance in Sanatan Dharma one of the treasures that emerged from the churning of oceans (Samundra Manthan) was Kaustabh mani, a gemstone whose brilliance was equivalent to a thousand suns. Royalty and rulers be it Cleopatra or Queen of England have had possession of famous gemstones with great historic significance. Gemstones have been linked to astrology, physical and emotional healing and other spiritual practices such as tradition of birthstones linking a particular stone with wellbeing of individuals born in a particular month of the year. Over time different gemstones have come to symbolize love, commitment, power and beauty.

How to use Gemstones

In Vedic Astrology, different gemstones are worn with correct methodology as prescribed in scriptures to enhance or reduce effect of energy of a particular planet on a native. This in turn enhances positive influences or mitigates challenges associated with that planet. Each of the nine planet in Vedic Astrology are associated with a specific gemstone: Sun - Ruby; Moon - Pearl; Mars - Red Coral; Mercury - Emerald; Jupiter - Yellow Sapphire; Venus - Diamond; Saturn - Blue Sapphire; Rahu - Hessonite; Ketu - Cat’s Eye. Energies and vibrations of these Planets correspond with the Energies and frequencies of the gemstone. When a particular gemstone is set in particular metal and worn on a specific finger it energizes the energies of corresponding Chakras and Planets empowering Chakras and reducing the negative influence of unfavourable planetary positions, ultimately promoting harmony, health, and prosperity.

Gemstones Prices and Buying Guide

Selecting and buying a precious gemstone can many a times be a tricky affair. Online or elsewhere you may find a precious same gemstone being sold with mind-boggling discrepancy in prices, you will find a particular gemstone sold at rs. 5,000/- per carat, also at rs. 50,000/- per carat and also at rs. 5,00,000/- per carat. Add to that the risk of being sold synthetic (artificial) or lab made gemstone, or natural gemstone with many treatments. Unfortunately sometimes these relatively cheap synthetic or treated stones are passed as 100% natural, non-heated, non-treated and sold at irrational margins to unsuspecting buyers by quacks and rogue Gemstones dealers. The price of a gemstone depends upon its quality which is determined by the 4Cs which are color, cut, carat and clarity. Also for best results the stone has to be 100% natural free from any treatments. So, when comparing prices it is best to compare apple with apple and oranges with oranges i.e. a particular quality of stone with a comparable quality one. Also it is advisable to insist on certification from a reputed govt. lab such as GIA or GII to authenticate properties such as origin, weight, nature and more.

Gemstones Quality and Authenticity

Quality of a gemstone depends primarily on the 4Cs namely Cut, Carat, Clarity and Color, origin of the stone and any treatment done on the stone is also important. The Top Grade Gemstones or Jyotish quality Gemstones are 100% natural, non-treated, non-heated, non-oil-treated and are should be free from any other type of treatment. Heated and treated Gemstones may look better than natural ones but as per Vedic astrology treated Gemstones lose their sattvic nature and hence won’t provide the required benefits.

Color – The best quality Gemstones have clear primary color (and its shades) and least hue of any other color. The clearer the primary color and the minimum the hue of any other color the better the stone is considered

Clarity – The more transparent the stone is the better the quality. Jyotish means Jyot (light) and ish (God). The more light it can pass on to the user i.e. the clearer and transparent the stone is the better it is considered. Best quality stones have up to 80% clarity.

Carats – The weight of the stone is another factor that decides how precious the stone is. The bigger the stone, the more carats the more becomes

Cut – In Vedic Astrology, the cut of the gemstone should be such that it should increase the surface area of the gemstone so that it can refract maximum amount of light. The more precise the cut is the more valuable the stone is considered

Origin – The origin also decides the quality and rarity of a Gemstone. Gemstones from a particular geography are considered as more superior than that from different geography

Treatments – Jyotish quality Gemstones or the best quality Gemstones are 100% natural, non-treated, non-heated, non-oil-treated and without any kind of treatment.

Gemstone in Ancient Vedic Scriptures

Gemstones having a good lustre, pure and clear-color and without flaws ensure good luck and protection.
– Brihat Samhita

Seven Gemstones are to be used to gather seven (colors) rays of the sun on to our body
– Rig Veda