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GEMMOLOGY - RATNA SASTRA

YOUR BIRTH STONE

The precious stones can be used as Birth Stones according to tropical sun-signs or Ascendant signs. The following aspects should be considered before wearing. 

    1) Your ruling planet
    2) Suitable gem and color
    3) Minimum weight in carats
    4) The metal used in making the ring
    5) The week-day and the time when to wear
    6) The finger
    7) The substitutes
    8) The weight of substitutes.

ARIES:
The ruling planet is Mars, color red, Red coral is the suitable Birth stone. It should be minimum 6 carats in weight. The Red coral should be set in a gold ring mixed with copper and it should be worn in the ring finger of the right hand on an auspicious Tuesday, in bright half of the month, an hour after sunrise. Semi precious stones like Carnelian, Red jasper and Blood stones may be used as substitutes.

TAURUS:
The ruling planet is Venus, color bright white, Diamond is the suitable birth stone. A pure diamond of atleast one and half carat should be set in a ring of silver or platinum, and worn on Friday morning in the little finger of the right hand. Semi precious stones like White rock crystal of 11 carats or the sapphire, Tourmaline or Zircon of white color, not less than 3 or 4 carats can be used as substitutes for the diamond.

GEMINI:
The ruling Planet is Mercury, color is GREEN. The suitable stone is EMERALD. A genuine emerald of not less than 3 carats in weight, studded in a silver ring, should be worn in the little finger of the right hand on an auspicious Wednesday, two hours after sunrise. Peridot, Aquamarine, Green Tourmaline, Green Agate, Sardonyx or jade can be worn as substitutes.

CANCER:
The Ruling planet is Moon, the color white and the suitable gem is pearl. The pearl of 2,4,6 or 11 carats, set in a silver ring, should be worn on an auspicious Monday of the bright half of the lunar month, in the ring finer of the right hand. The weight should not be more or less than the carats mentioned. As an alternative, Moon Stone, white opal or white sapphire can be used. The white sapphire may be costlier.

LEO:
The ruling planet is Sun and the color is rose red or pink. RUBY is the suitable stone. A good ruby of at least 3 carats studded in a ring of gold mixed with copper, should be worn at the time of sun rise on an auspicious Sunday, in the ring finger of the right hand. As an alternative, the red spinal, pysope garnet, red tourmaline known as rubelite, the star ruby or sun stone can be used.

VIRGO:
The ruling Planet is Mercury, color is GREEN. The suitable stone is EMERALD. A genuine emerald of not less than 3 carats in weight, studded in a silver ring, should be worn in the little finger of the right hand on an auspicious Wednesday, two hours after sunrise. Peridot, Aquamarine, Green Tourmaline, Green Agate, Sardonyx or jade can be worn as substitutes.

LIBRA:
The ruling planet is Venus, color bright white, Diamond is the suitable birth stone. A pure diamond of at least one and half carat should be set in a ring of silver or platinum, and worn on Friday morning in the little finger of the right hand. Semi precious stones like White rock crystal of 11 carats or the sapphire, Tourmaline or Zircon of white color, not less than 3 or 4 carts can be used as substitutes for the diamond.

SCORPIO:
The ruling planet is Mars, color red, Red coral is the suitable Birth stone. It should be minimum 6 carats in weight. The Red coral should be set in a gold ring mixed with copper and it should be worn in the ring finger of the right hand on an auspicious Tuesday, in bright half of the month, an hour after sunrise. Semi precious stones like Carnelian, Red jasper and Blood stones may be used as substitutes.

SAGITTARIUS:
Jupiter is the ruling planet, color yellow and yellow sapphire is the suitable gem. A gem of not less than 3 carats in weight, studded in a gold ring, should be worn in the index finger or ring finger on a Thursday morning, preferably in the bright half of the month. It may be noted that the weight should not be 6,11,15 carats. Semi precious stones like citrine yellow tourmaline, topaz, yellow zircon and golden topaz can be used as alternative.

CAPRICORN:
Saturn is the ruling planet, color blue and the suitable stone is Blue sapphire. The gem of minimum 5 carats set in a ring of steel or mixture of eight metals (astha dhatu) should be worn in the middle finger of the right hand, on an auspicious Saturday about two hours before sunset. The substitutes are Lapis Lazuli, amethyst, turquoise, neeli, spinal blue, blue tourmaline and blue zircon.

AQUARIUS:
Herschel or Uranus is the ruler. According to modern astrologers, and traditionally Saturn is the ruling planet. The suitable stone is gomedh or zircon of the color of the cow's urine or honey. It should be set in a ring made of eight metals and worn on Wednesday evening before sunset in the middle or little finger. The gomedh be at least 6 carats in weight. Hessonite garnet or amethyst or turquoise can be used as substitutes. But it is better to use gomedh only.

PISCES:
Traditionally Jupiter is the ruler of Pisces but now Neptune is considered as the ruling planet by Modern Astrology. The color is sky blue or sea green. The semi precious stones are Aquamarine, and Turquoise are suita ble.

         GEMS FOR YOUR BIRTH STAR AND RASI
   -------------------------------------------------------
       GEM                RASI                  STARS
   -------------------------------------------------------
   1) CORAL        MESHA & VRISCHIKA        MRIGASIRA
      (MANGAL)                           CHITRA, DHANISHTA
   -------------------------------------------------------
    2) DIAMOND      VRISHABHA & TULA     BHARANI, POORVA-
       (SUKRA)                          PHALGUNI, POORVASHDA
   --------------------------------------------------------
   3) EMERALD      MITHUNA & KANYA       ASLESHA, JYESTA
       (BUDHA)                                 REVATHI
   -------------------------------------------------------
   4) PEARL          KARKATAKA           ROHINI, HASTHA
     (CHANDRA)                               SRAVANA
    -------------------------------------------------------
    5) RUBY            SIMHA           KRITIKKA, UTTARAPHAL-
    (SURYA)                          -GUNI, UTTARASHADHA
    -------------------------------------------------------
    6) YELLOW      DHANU & MEENA        PUNARVASU, VISAKHA
      SAPPHIRE                            POORVABHADRA
        (GURU)
    -------------------------------------------------------
   7) BLUE        MAKARA & KUMBHA      PUSHYAMI, ANURADHA
     SAPPHIRE                            UTTARABHADHRA
     (SANI)
   -------------------------------------------------------
   8) GOMEDH        --------            ARUDRA, SWATHI,
      (RAHU)                              SATABHISHA
   -------------------------------------------------------
   9) CAT'S EYE     -------            ASWINI, MAGHA, MOOLA
       (KETU)
   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

GEMMOLOGY -RATNA SASTRA 

Our country is famous for precious stones and known as "RATNA GARBHA" or Treasure of Gems. Ratna is the Sanskrit Word for Gem, the precious stones. The word Ratna is used in conferring Titles like Bharat Ratna, Pandita Ratna, etc. to honour persons of great achievements and those who are very good by nature. All the countries in the world recognised the value and power of gems and people use them in rings and ornaments for prosperity,peace,pleasure power, success or relief from diseases and difficulties. The deities in temples are seen decorated with Gem studded Crowns and Ornaments. kings in olden days used to wear crowns and swords studded with gems. We know about the value of Kohinoor diamond,which was presented to Queen Victoria,after changing many hands.This great diamond was found in Andhra Pradesh. The great Moghal diamond was found near Golconda. The powders of precious stones are used in Indian Medicines will find these stones in wristwatches also.According to Hindu Mythology, Indra, King of heaven,defeated the mighty demon Uritra with the strength of Vajrayudha,the Diamond Sword made out of the bones of Sage Dadhichi or the demon Balasura. We know the story of Samanthaka Mani worn by Lord Srikrishna. It is said in mythology that Brahma, the creator, wears this Blue Gem. Lord Krishna wears Kousthubha Mani, resembling the colour of Lotus flower, while Lord Siva wears Rudramni of gold colour. It is stated that the Pathalaloka or the underworld ruled by Snakes gets light from the brilliant rays of gems. The ocean is known as Ratnakara or treasure of gems,because many gems are available in seas.Thomas Gray says in Elegy: Full many a gem of purest ray serene, the dark unfathomed caves of ocean bear". Some gems are found on the hoods of snakes. Gems are available in Africa,Ceylon,Coral islands and many other parts. Different types of gems are available and sold in Jaipur(Rajasthan).A number of books are written on the science of gems - Ratna Sastra, explaining the qualities, colours, utility and medical values of gems and the evil effects of defective gems. Brihat Samhita of Varaha Mihira- the great astrologer, contains a special chapter on gems. Jataka Parijatha of famous astrologer Vaidya natha,deals with gems.There are some books by western and Indian authors like curative gems, Ratna Parichay and healing through gems etc. Who should wear a particular gem,when,how and for what purpose are explained in these books. A person should know which gem suits him best according to his horoscope, because he may face problems if he wears a wrong gem. There are 84 gems in total with different names and colours. But nine of them are very important. They are named as Navaratnas viz., 1)Ruby 2)Emerald 3)Diamond 4) Yellow Sapphire 5) Blue Sapphire 6)Pearl 7) Coral 8) Gomed 9)Cats eyes. The Sanskrit names are Manikya, Marakatha, Vajra, Pushyaraga, Neela, Muktaphala, Pravala, Gomedha and Vaidurya respectively. Among these nine gems,the first five are known as Pancha Ratnas. Ruby is of rose red colour, resembling the colour of lotus. Padmaraga & Manikya are the Sanskrit names, Kempu in Telugu. Emerald is the green stone,known as Marakatha in Sanskrit, Paccha (parrot colour) in Telugu and Panna in Hindi. There are 84 gems of different types and colours. Five among them, known as Pancha Ratnas, are very important and precious. They are Ruby,Emerald, Diamond, Sapphire and Topaz or Manikya, Marakatha, Vajra, Neelam and Pushyaraga respectively of colors rare-red, green,white,blue and yellow.Another four gems Pearl,Coral, Zircon and Cats eye are added in the list of Navaratnas or Nine gems. Pearl is white, Coral is red, Zircon is black and cats eye resembles the eye of the cat in colour and shape and Muktaphala, Pravala, Gomedha and Vaidurya are their Sanskrit names. The English, Samskrit, Hindi and Telugu names and the colours of the nine gems are given hereunder: 

1. RUBY: Rose-red. Manikya, Mani, Padmaraga, Surya ratna, Saugandhika Manikya Kempu-Ratnas (stone of sun). 

2. EMERALD: Green. Marakatha, Garutmat, Harinmani, Budha Ratna, Sowparni, Panna, Zamarud (stone of Mercury) Pacha. 

3. DIAMOND: Bright white. Vajra, Sathakoti, Heerak, Sukra-ratna,Heera,Almas (stone of Venus). 

4. SAPPHIRE: Blue. Neelam, Indraneel,thringrahi, Sani-ratna, Neelam, Yakut Kabud (stone of Saturn). 

5. TOPAZ: Yellow. Pushyaraga, Pushparag, Peethamani, Guru-ratna Pukhraj (stone of Jupiter). 

6. PEARL: White. Muktaphala,Suktija,Mowktik, Chandra-ratna, Mothi Murvarid (stone of Moon) Mutyam. 

7. CORAL: Red. Pravala, Vidruma, Lathamani, Angaraka-mani, Moonga - Mirjan (stone of Mars) Pagadam. 

8. ZIRCON: Black. Gomed,Gomedak,Rahu-ratna Gomed -Zarkuniya stone of Rahu North Node. 

9. CAT'S EYE: White. Vaidurya,Rashtak,Abhrarah,Keturatna, Lalsania,Vaidurya,Cymophane (stone of Ketu, south none).


The remaining 75 gems out of the total 84, are treated as semi-precious stones; only a few of them are in use.

  1. Tourmaline - Vikranth.
  2. Turquoise - Phiroja, Harithasma.
  3. Rock, Crystal, Sphatik, Cithopal, Sivapriya,  Phatak,
  4. Kanchmani, Billore.
  5. Agate - Akeeph, Rakthasma (Red).
  6. Jade - Harithasm, Harithamani, Sangyasab, Yasm.
  7. Lapis Lazuli - Neelopal - Lazavart.
  8. Opal - Doodhiya pathar.
  9. Carnelian - Rudraksh.
  10. Golden Stone - Tharamandal, Sangsithara.
  11. Sphinel-Red - Suryamani, Lal Katkijmana
  12. Amber - Thrina-Mani.
  13. Garnet - Thamra
  14. Aquamarine - Blue.
  15. Sun-Stone - Suryakantha-mani.
  16. Moon-stone - Chandrakantha-Mani.
  17. Onyx - Green.
  18. Blood Stone - Dark Green.
  19. Jasper - Dark red.
  20. Tiger's eye - Golden Yellow.
  21. Amethyst - Violet.
  22. Citrina - Yellow quartz.
  23. Peridot - Olive e.
  24. Zircon
  25. Sardonix
  26. Quartz
  27. Beryl
  28. Jaycynth
  29. Chrysolite

The quality, utility and value of the gems depend upon the hardness, specific gravity, shape, luster beauty and weight of the stones. Proper care should be taken in selecting the genuine gem. The stone should be original, pure, shining, good in colour and shape, without any spots, scratches, cracks and holes and should be purified and worn on certain prescribed days. A genuine gem helps to improve health and position and minimize or ward off the evil effects of adverse planets. A defective stone causes troubles.

Stones - Colours - Week days Planets: The stones, colours, week days and planets are inter-related. The seven week days, from Sunday to Saturday, bear the names of the main seven planets. Each planet has a specific colour and rules a specific stone of that colour.

SUN :Rules Sunday. Stone: Ruby; Colour: Rose-Red and Orange. 

MOON :Rules Monday. Somavar - Soma means Moon; Stone - Pearl; Colour - White. 

MARS :Rules Tuesday or Mangalvaar . Mangal is the name of Mars. Also known as Angaraka or Kuja. Stone - Coral; Colour - Red. Suitable day - Tuesday. 

MERCURY :Rules wednesday or Budha vaar. Mercury is the English name of Budha. Stone - Emerald. Colour - Green. 

JUPITER :Rules Thursday or Guru Vara. Guru is the Sanskrit name for Jupiter. Stone - Topaz or Pushyaraga. Colour - Yellow. 

VENUS :Rules Friday or Sukra vaara. Sukra means Venus. Colour - White. Stone - Diamond. 

SATURN :Rules Saturday or Sani vaara. Sani means Saturn. Colour - Blue. Stone - Sapphire.

RAHU and KETU are the north and south nodes, not planets, but shadows; treated as planets. Rahu acts like Saturn and Ketu acts like Mars. Gomedha or Zircon is the stone of Rahu. Colour - Black and Violet. Suitable day - Saturday. Cat's eye or Vaidurya is the stone of Ketu. Colour- White.

The gems should be worn on the week days presided over by the concerned planets: Ruby on Sunday, Pearl on Monday, Coral on Tuesday, Emerald on Wednesday, Yellow Topaz on Thursday, Diamond on Friday, Blue Sapphire on Saturday, Gomed or Zircon on Saturday and Cat's eye on Tuesday. A person should wear a suitable stone after consulting an experienced astrologer who is well versed in gemmology. Decision should not be based on general guidelines.

NAV-RATNAS Bestow Prosperity 

It was a tradition in ancient days to wear a ring of Nine Gems or Nav Ratnas especially in rich families and ruling commununities.This ring was considered as a pious asset and the eldest son or legal heir used to inherit it as a claim along with other properties. This tradition is continuing in some rich families even today. It is believed that the wearer of Nine-Gems Ring will continue to enjoy riches and prosper in life. This indicates the power of the precious stones.

All the nine stones should be of equal size, when studded in a ring of gold. It is said that the effect is the same even if nine rings are worn with different stones and there is no need to wear a different stones separately for special effect, if NavRatna ring is worn. All the nine stones should be genuine without scars, spots, holes, scratches or other defects. Much has been said about the power effects of nine-gem ring in the books of gemmology, more detailed in the work of Kasyapa, a great saint and scholar-known as Kasyapa Smrithi.

It is believed that the Ring of Nine Gems wards off the evil effects of adverse planets; gives relief from diseases, difficulties, indebtedness, vices, fear of enemies, poverty and humiliation and confers longevity, good health, riches, poverty, success and prosperity; improves personal charisma and self-confidence and creates opportunities for good achievements.

The Nine precious stones should be arranged in the ring in certain directions indicated by the gemologists. Ruby should be in the center, diamond in the East, yellow sapphire in the north, blue sapphire in the west, coral in the south, emerald in the north-east, pearl in the south- east, gomedh in south-west and the cat's in the north- west. Starting from north-east the gems appear in the serial order, with Ruby in the center: Emerald, diamond, pearl (First row): Yellow sapphire, ruby, coral (middle row):

          -----------------------------------

          |north/east|   east   | south/east|
          |          |          |           |
         |EMERALD   |  DIAMOND |  PEARL    |
         |          |          |           |
         |----------|----------|-----------|
         |north     |  centre  |  south    |
         |          |          |           |
         |YELLOW    |  RUBY    |  CORAL    |
         |SAPPHIRE  |          |           |
         |          |          |           |
         |----------|----------|-----------|
         |north/west|  west    | south/west|
         |          |          |           |
         |CAT'S EYE |  BLUE    |  GOMEDH   |
         |SAPPHIRE  |          |           |
         |----------|----------|-----------|

Semi-precious stones suggested as substitution should not be used in the this Ring. Only flawless genuine precious stones of equal size should be set in the ring of gold. Generally smaller ones are used, hence there is no need to consider the weight (in carats) indicated for the stones when each gem is used seperatly.

The Nav-Ratna Ring can be worn by anyone, born in any sign or star and it is not meant for a particular person. Sometimes it is difficult to decide which stone suits the person if there are complications in the horoscope causing confusion and doubts. Such persons can wear the ring of nine gems. This ring should be prepared on an auspicious day and worn on another auspicious day after worshipping the nine planets and invoking their powers into the nine gems. The goldsmith who prepare the ring and also the priest who prays for the person should be honoured with clothes and gifts and receive their blessings.

Each planet governs a particular gem, colour, week-day, star,sign, number, sapphire, taste, limits etc. Number 9 is powerful because total digits are nine 1 to 9 which form the basis for the science of numbers known as Numerology. The planets are nine including the luminaries the sun and moon, the two nodes of the Moon - Rahu, Ketu and the planets Mars, Venus, Mercury, Jupiter and Saturun. A deity is worshipped with 108 names known as ASHTOTHRA, and rosary used for counting prayers contains 108 breads. 108 can be reduced to a single digit by adding 1 & 8 ignoring 0. So the Nav-Ratna ring contains the power of all the numbers colours and planets.

ECLIPSE RINGS

A special ring is worn on the day of Solar Eclipse for attaining the power of the hymns recited (MANTRA SIDDHI) and for certain remedies. The ring should be prepared with 16 parts of copper 12 parts of silver and 10 parts of gold. The three metals should be heated and melted, exposing to the luminaries and prepare the ring with a hole in the centre, without any joints before the end of the eclipse and it should be worn before the ending of the eclipse.

This special ring helps the wearer to win the heart of the man or woman concerned, attain the power of religious hymns easier and earlier and get relief from evil spirits, hysteria mental and psychic diseases and bad dreams. It ensures quick and free delivery if a pregnanent woman wears it.

The same type of ring is prepared on another day. with copper, silver and standard gold inn the ratio of 16:12:10. The three metals should be melted seperately into three strings and ring should be prepared and worn on a sunday or thursday in the bright half of the month, when the star Pushyami prevails. The wearer of this ring gets relief from financial difficulties. Only one can wear this rings.

A similar ring may be prepared and worn at the time of Lunar eclipse also. The procedure is the same but the ratio is different. Standard gold parts, silver 5 parts and copper 6 parts.


PURIFICATION OF GEMS

The books on gemmology say that the following liquids are used for purifying the gems

1) The soap of dtrosegram for yellow sapphire. 2) The milk of the cow for corals 3) Blue water for Blue sapphire 4) The juice of thakkola leaves for pearls 5) The bran of paddy for diamonds 6) The juice of lemon for rubies 7) Buttermilk for emeralds. 8) The juice of Maddiphal for Gomed 9) The essence of palm fruit for cats eye.

SEMI-PRECIOUS STONES 
-------------------------------------------------- 

Substitutes for Gems 
--------------------------------------------------

RUBY, EMERALD, DIAMOND, YELLOW SAPPHIRE & BLUE SAPPHIRE are the most powerful and costliest gems known as PANCHA- MAHARATNAS. Out of the toal 84 stones only NINE are ruled by the planets. They are famous as NAVA RATNAS including Pearl, Coral, Gomedh and the Cat's eye. The remaining 75 are treated as UPA-RATNAS or semi-precious stones, a few of them are used as substitutes for the main gems, according to their colours. The Seven colours (VIBGOYR) are governed by the seven planets who preside over the seven week days-Sunday to Saturday. The human body, the life and universe are influenced by colours. The colour therapy gained significance in medicine. The semi- precious stones are also used in Indian medicine. They are very cheap and less powerful.

Some of the Semi-Precious stones are found in many colours. Some are used for making rosaries, measuring weights, cups, saucers,mortars, statues, bowls, toys, medicines, surma(for eyes) and other purposes, but not as substitutes for the gems. The following semi-precious stones are used as substitutes for gems.