Planetary Gems – qualities and defects

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Planetary Gems – qualities and defects

by Dr. Badri Raj Joshi (Son of Nepal's late Royal Astrologer)

 

According to western interpretations, astrology is derived from "aster" – a

star, and "logos"

– reason or logic whereas astrology is also called as jyotish or the knowledge

of light. The"

jyoti "or" light" is the root cause for all known creation in this universe.

There are certain

mysterious or subtle power, derived from nature, pervades the entire universe

and the

earth we inhabit that is evident to all. The various elements including all

matters are

altered by the motions of this spiritual power. The acts of creation, protection

and

destruction are embedded in the womb of the overall powerful time and these

variations

are brought about as a consequence of this subtle power. The Sun as the central

figure

predominates over the entire arrangement of the celestial system and the other

planets

and stars are directed by his rays.

 

>From time immemorial, the gems and jewels are worn by person not only as an

expression

of make up, or ornamentation but also to display the wealth. The gems sport on

fingers,

wrists and neck are more than mere decoration but even as a status symbol. Gems

carry

mysterious powers, which can affect your physical health, wealth and emotional

well

beings.

 

Some scriptural references such as the " Garud Purana" and "Indra Purana" have

mentioned

about the uses of the 9 primary gems and their particular planetary rays based

on their

color, carat, clarity, cutting and the qualities. How these gems are actually

recommended

and their specific effects are not found in any of these scriptural references.

However,

Varamihira has acknowledged the supra sensitive or miraculous entity of the gems

and

jewels apart from the ornamental beauty and utility as jewellary.

 

Any unique thing that stands out of other average equals are also called the

Gems or in

Sanskrit ratna. "Gem" is a natural pearl, coral, shell, or mineral, not only

valued for beauty,

perfection but it has astrological metaphysical influence on human kind. An

ancient kings

and emperors used to call the best and the most talented people of their

assembly as

ratnas or gems. In the metamorphic world, the three special qualities transcend

in one

object to the level of a gem because of its qualities: glow, durability and

rarity. The

intrinsic influence of the gems which is also called as the theory of science of

the rays,

has always been the subjects of the astrologers so often used for treatment of

disease,

fashion and assumed to be having spiritual power which gives good luck, mental

peace

and happiness .

 

All the planets have their own individual colours, jewels, gems and signs.

Whatever

impacts we get from gems are due to the capacity of vibration of the light rays

of the

colours of the planets. The gems act as filter in the body of the human being.

For example

the ultraviolet rays of the sun are considered very dangerous for a human life.

If a fellow

puts on a piece of ruby, the ruby emits rays that prevent the ultra violet rays

entering the

human body directly. As a result the human circulatory system and its arteries

and veins

would function very well. This effect impacts on the sensory feelings. The piece

of ruby

emits invariable rays which enter in the human body and affect his mind, brain

and

thought process. In consequence, it would flourish him in his personality and

professional

activities.

 

In the Ratna Pareekshadhhaya of Vrihatsamhita has mentioned that the kings wear

favourable gems and jewels to insures the power and prosperity. If they wore

unfavourable

gems, they get bad results. That is why it is said that before putting on a gem

or a jewel,

one must get adequately tested for its qualities and the defects and certain

rituals need to

be done before wearing the gems depending upon the horoscope.

 

The creative world of the universe has three qualities such as light, motion and

colour.

Every luminious body emits radiation, which travels through space in the form of

waves

and pulses at a certain frequency. Gems are the manifestation of the cosmic

light. Each

gem has a special colour that works as a prism to concentrate and focus light

into one's

body. The gems also have magnetic powers and some of them also have the powers

to

heal. The vibrations and frequencies that the gems emit rays which influence

human

beings in a very powerful way. They create strong energy fields that are

absorbed by the

body.However, it has been proved that 84% of the Planetory Gemology Adviser

(PGA) and

Planetory Gemologist (PG) recommend gems based on the favourable planets system

according to his horoscope, which should be take real care before choosing the

gems

(Directory and Journal of Planetory Gemology Association, 2004).However,

synthetics

gems exhibit no transmission of cosmic color when viewed through an equilateral

glass

prism used to see the actual cosmic color transmitted by gemstone. Neither the

less they

do exhibit any noticeable auric energy when photographed through the use of

kirlin

photography (Beckman, 2001).

 

The purpose of using gems would depend on the characteristics, color and

qualities, as

most of the important primary gems can be attributed to one of the Planets. The

color and

the size of the gems also play a major role and influence the person who wears

the gems

in the form of ring, bracelet or the necklace.

 

Every gem has the power to absorb the radiation emitted by a particular planet.

Therefore,

in order to receive its benefits, the gem pertaining to the particular planet

should be worn.

Wearing gemstones according to one's horoscope is a fundamental theory of Vedic

astrology and the majority of people wear gems on their hand or around their

neck or

wrist. It is appropriate to use the gem which is related to the strongest planet

of the

horoscope and the person should not use the gems related to malefic planets in

the natal

horoscope. This is applicable even during the Mahadasa and Antardasa of the

malefic

planet.

 

Along with the Navaratna (nine primary gems), there are many other natural

gemstones

which can be chose based on their characters. The secondary gems are less

costly, and yet

they conduct same astral energy of their associated planets. They are easier to

find

without flaws or treatment (Brawn, 2001).The gems should be flawless because the

ancient

Vedic wisdom suggested to use only eye clean gems.

 

The ancient gemological philosophy has given prime importance on the colour and

the

quality of gems. The colour determines the nine planets rules the gem and the

quality

determines gemstone transmits the positive or negative energies of its

associated planets

for example clear colourless gems such as Diamond and quartz crystal transmits

the

energy and astral influence of the planet Venus, while red gem crystal such as

ruby and

garnet attract the energy and influence of the Sun. Almost all gemstones are

crystals and

the keys to their astral powers are colour and clarity. The person should only

wear gems

which transmits the planetary energies appropriate to one's individual birth

chart. The

Western view is based on commercial considerations while the Eastern view

considered

ancient theories such as puranas, Vedas and sastras.

 

It is advisable to wear the birthstone. The general practice now followed is to

wear the

gemstone that corresponds to the lord of the first house or the ascendent, which

is the

most important house of a horoscope. By which the person strengthens his image,

confidence, well-being, self-esteem, good luck and the ability to gain

recognition.

However, if the lord of first house is weak, the effect of the gem related to

that lord could

not be strong. The effects of gemstones are less effective. Therefore, it is

very important

that it is always better to strengthen the strongest planet or planets based on

the

horoscope. This is also a decision taken at the recent voting session of the

Planetary

Gemology Association for favourable system (PGA, 2004).

 

The relationship between 9 types of Gems and 9 Planets recognized as most

important in

vedic astrology. Thus planetary gemology is the ancient therapy and protective

measure

are ensured by Vedic astrologer. The effect of gems will depend on the nature

of the

Planet, its strength and placement in each individual horoscope. There are two

types of

planets in every horoscope, known as favourable planets, and unfavourable

planets. Gems

will act accordingly. For example, Sun (Surya) is well-placed in your horoscope

then Sun's

gem, ruby, will also act positively; but if Sun is ill-placed in your chart then

the Sun's gem

will acts negatively. Therefore, a Gemologist or astrologer are only the

qualified person to

recommend Gems based on Vedic Astrology. It is advisable to follow the

favourable planet

system to recommend Gems that represent the favorable planets in the horoscope.

 

Regarding the quality of Gems that we often used for astrological purpose, the

first

criterion is that the Gem has to be hundred percent natural. This means that the

Gem

should not be imitation or synthetics. It is also advisable to select if

possible a large stone

closer to 2 carats or more and also try to select a clean Gem if possible, a

flawless Gem

without cracks, impurities and defects. These natural Gems are costlier and

difficult to get

it. Therefore, one should substituate buying a Secondary Gem (Uparatna) which is

similar

in colour to the initially recommended astrological Gem.

 

The Gem must touch the skin and one must give attention to the importance to the

quality, colour, size and the purity and it is true that Gems can enhance the

strength of

planets, provided we select the correct Gem. According to the vedic astrology,

however, it

is important to understand that the Gems alone can not give the necessary power

unless

we perform rituals, ethical practice, believe in spirituality and by adopting

good moral

values to provide peace and happiness to all human beings.

 

Table 1. showing the relationships between Gems and Planets

 

S.No. Planets colours The mediums of gems Gemstones

1 Sun Red Gold Gold and yellow stones like ruby and red spinel, red garnet

2 Moon Milky pearl Silver All white stones like pearls, white coral and

moonstones

3 Mars Orange Copper or gold All red stones like red corals, red

bloodstone and red carnelian

4 Mercury Green Gold All green stones like emerald, green tourmaline and

tsavorite

5 Jupiter Yellow Gold All yellow stones like yellow sapphire /yellow topaz,

yellow tourmaline

6 Venus Shinning bright like diamond, or indigo Silver or platinum

All white stones like diamonds, white sapphire and colourless quartz

7 Saturn Blue or light blue or violet or black Iron or tri metal

All blue stones like blue sapphire, iolite, indicolite / blue tourmaline.

8 Rahu Reddish yellow, transparent and shinning gem

Five metals or alloy Hessonite / orange zircon.

9 Ketu Unique catchy colour- a mixed of sun and shadow, transparent too.

Five metals or alloy Cat's eye chrysoberyl, fibrolite ,

 

There are differences in concepts of using birth stones in western and eastern

philosophy.

As western system is govern by solar calendar and eastern calendar is based on

lunar

system.

 

Table 2. Displaying Zodiac signs and recommended gems according to eastern

concept

 

S.No. signs Lords of respective signs Recommended respective gems

1 Aries Mars Coral

2 Taurus Venus Diamond

3 Gemini Mercury Emerald

4 Cancer Moon Pearls

5 Leo Sun Ruby

6 Virgo Mercury Emerald

7 Libra Venus Diamond

8 Scorpio Mars Coral

9 Sagittarius Jupiter Yellow sapphire

10 Capricorn Saturn Blue sapphire

11 Aquarius Saturn Blue sapphire

12 Pisces Jupiter Yellow sapphire

 

Table 3. Prescription of Gems according to Western concept:

 

S.No. Months Recommended gems Indian name of the gems

1 January Garnet Tamramanhi

2 February Amethyst Katela

3 March Aquamarine Neelmanh

4 April Diamond Heera

5 May Emerald Panna

6 June Pearl Moti

7 July Ruby Maanik

8 August Peridote Hartimani

9 September Blue sapphire Neelam

10 October Opal Upalmanhi

11 November Topaz Pokhraj

12 December Turquoise Phiroza

 

Navaratna or nine primary gems:

 

1. Ruby:

(a) In Sanskrit, ruby has been called by various names such as Manikya,

Padmaraag, lohit,

Shohnratna, rabiratna, shohnopal, kookbinda, sougandhik, basuratna.

It has light red or rose colour. Its colour is considered to be of high quality

like that of a

Piegeon's eyes or the seeds of pomegranate.

As it is the gem of the Sun, and the Sun is consider as the king of all planets.

Ruby too is

considered the king of the navaratnas. In a ring of Navaratna, the ruby is

placed in the

centre surrounded by other gems. (According to western concept, the native born

in july

must wear ruby. Similarly, the Sunday born too find ruby benefic to him or her.)

Ruby

ensures raj yoga or high public honour. (Refer table 4)

 

(b) Chief Characteristics of the ruby:

The ruby has four semi jewels such as Laal (Jaram or jarad ), Mysorean ruby

(singlee),

Garnet(Taamrha), and suryakanta (sun ruby). The Padmaragmanhis or rubies have a

smooth skinned glow, fresh red tinge, rays radiating from the centre , sometimes

deep

red.

 

© The qualities:

A real ruby would give the cool if put on the eyes, in real rubies, the cut will

not shine or

glaze, it will be simple, natural and irregular and rather zigzag, however a

glass made or

imitation of the ruby would soon become warm.

The specific gravity of the real ruby is higher than the imitation piece of the

equal weight.

If bubbles are seen or the gem weights light, then it should be an imitation

piece.

If the piece of the ruby has a whitish spot in it, and that is bluish and not

moving, then it

has to be an imitation product.

In the glass made of imitation ruby, the point will be generally round, rough,

and white

and sometimes yellow. In a real ruby, that would be of the same colour but never

round.

Such a spot is seldom in the real gem. But in the real ruby the layer is

straight. This is the

important point of the difference. But in a piece of real ruby, the flesh is

smooth and

colourful.

The best quality ruby is beautiful like red lotus petals, pure, round, with

uniform length,

refreshing in look and shining.

The layer in the imitation piece would generally be half circle. In the

imitation piece, the

gems also contain some kind of fire in the flesh, which is whitish and round.

 

(d) The defects:

There are various defects in the rubies. They are Shineless, milky white, dual

coloured,

crisp or crunchy, opaque or less transparent, having nets or cobweb impression

or opacity,

crack, blemished in colour, smoky in colour, blackish or white spotted, honey

coloured or

having honey coloured spots, bluish, broken, having holes, mud, stones etc not

beautiful

and depressed stone. These rubies are considered inauspicious according to Vedic

astrology.

 

Substitutes of Rubies: red spinel, red garnet, red tourmaline (rubellitte) , sun

stone,

 

2. Pearls:

(a) In Sanskrit, pearl is known by many names such as mukta, muktaphal,

shuktija,

bhouktika, shasiratna, chandraratna and shasipriya. Pearl is a pure white

shinning gem.

Among the great gems, the place of pearls is the second. As the sun is the king

of the

planets. Similarly, the moon is the king of the constellations. The moon is

considered as a

woman, hence in many places it is also called a queen. According to Jatak

Prijaat,

chapter1, sloka 21, "Vimlang muktaohalang sheetagoh" that means the gem of the

Moon

is the white fresh pearl. Like the Moon, which exudes cool pleasing rays, the

pearl too

ensures peace of mind and contentment.

Moon is a good and well meaning planet. So it is the gem which would never give

opposite

result.

The natives born with Cancer as their sign have their choice gem pearl.

According western thoughts, the natives born in the month of June must wear

pearl on

person.

(b) Characteristics of pearl and the qualities:

There are three semi – gems of pearl: shinning Oyster, Chandrakanta (moon stone)

and

Opal. According to Varahamihira, the oyster shells were derived from the bodies

of the

elephant, snakes, conch-shells, fish, boar, bamboos and the sky.

According to Vrihatsamhita chapter 81, sloka 27 page 494, pearls also quell in

humans

the fear of death by venom, who also win over all hardship in life, demolish

their enemies.

Wearing a Gajamukta means the native is ensured of all happiness in life, would

get an

heir, victory in all difficult ventures and diseaseless lifetime.

During Varahamihira's time, pearls were found at eight places and got different

names

according to the uniqueness of the regions.

Singhalak region: these pearls used to be of different shapes, smooth, white

like geese

and massive.

Taamraporny: there used to be some kind of pearls in the rivers red and white in

colour

and serene in look.

Parlok region: these pearls were black, white, yellow, mixed with granules and

uneven.

Swourashtra region: these pearls were neither much massive nor quite small but

used to

be smooth like butter and fatty.

Parshav region: these pearls were bright in look, white, heavy and of many

qualities.

Heem region: these pearls were tiny, easily breakable into pieces, soft like

curd, big and

the best quality.

Kauber region: In this land, the pearls were found uneven, black, white, light

as well as

very bright coloured.

Pandya region: these pearls used to be found as big as margosa seeds, smaller

than that

and also there used to be some very minute in size.

 

© The defects of pearls:

The pearls, which have cracks, should be avoided.

Those having fissures should also be avoided.

Joined pearls - These pearls look like joined, should be avoided. Such pieces

have lines all

around the body of the pearl.

Roughness pearls – such pearls having rough surface should not be effective.

The pock marked surface – some pearls have marks as if the pocked. These should

be

avoided.

Full of blisters should be avoided.

Blotted ones should be avoided.

Those which are soiled having soil inside the pearls are actually defective

pearls.

Some pearls have wood like hardness in the core. These are defective pearls.

Hence should

be avoided.

 

(d) Substitutes of pearls: moonstone, white coral, natural ivory, opals,

 

3. Corals:

(a) The coral has given many names such as Pravalak, Praval, Bhoumaratna,

Vidrum,

Angarak mani and Sinduja. A pure coral is red or orange in colour and known by

its colour

itself.

The natives born with Aries and Scorpion as their signs have their choice gem

coral.

According to western philosophy, those born in the month of January get coral as

their

birth stones. Coral ensures invincible success in life.

 

(b) Characteristics of the corals:

Coral is generally opaque but also found as semi transparent. The corals are

found in red,

white, pink, orange, and black colours.

 

© The qualities:

The auspicious corals are round, or elongated, or straight, smooth and spotless

and

voluminous coloured like vermillion. There are also some corals white in colour

and

brilliantly shinning and considered auspicious. Owing to its attractive glow and

the colour

the coral has been included in the navaratna , though it is not precious stone.

 

(d) The defects of corals:

The corals should not be spotted, white dotted, pierced, split, double coloured

and with

any depression.

 

(e) Substitutes of corals: Carnelian, Bloodstone,

 

4. Diamond:

(a) The diamond has been named in sanskrit as heerak, bajra or the thunder,

heer,

abhedya, sridoor, pavi, bhargavapriya. In English, the word diamond is a

derivative of the

latin word `admas' which actually means invincible.

Its colour is generally white. It is a representative of hard carbon. However,

in the nature

seven coloured diamonds are found mostly pure and transparent. They are white,

blue,

red, black, light red, and yellow.

The natives born in the Tarus and Libra have this gem as their principal gem for

life.

 

(b) Characteristics of the diamond:

Among the jewels and gems, the diamond is the hardest or it can not be broken by

anything, brightest, transparent and the most precious. Varahamihira has termed

the

diamonds as vajarmani and defined its characteristics as the jewel which is as

severe and

hard as bajra , that radiates rays when put into a shallow water and the rays

float, which is

as pure and genuine as electricity, which ensures happiness to all, like the

rainbow and

fire does naturally.

 

If the diamonds are sized like three spots or triangular like water chestnuts or

the paddies

then such diamonds would be as much auspicious. However, wearing the

inauspuicious

looking diamonds might cause estrangement with friends, wealth and even life.

Whereas

wearing the auspicious diamonds would ensures relief from the fear of thunder or

unexpected misfortune, poision enemies and would also increase wealth. In

contrast, the

diamond piece with the look oa caret or a fly, having hairlike lines, with the

blotches of

clay in the mass, stray granules of solid dust, burnt, blemished, without

lustre, and

brittle type diamond would seldom ensure happy results. Similarly, the diamond

pieces

spotted with water bubbles are also not auspicious.

 

© The qualities of the diamond:

As the diamonds are the hardest, no object can scratch or broken through its

mass.

(Its refractive indices are the highest, which is why the rays that penetrate

its mass very

easily can return in total after some time and the effects in its dazzling power

is the

greatest among all other gems.) or It can be floated like rays in swallow water,

clear, like

thunder, fire and rainbow.

The radiation power in the diamond pieces are so great that if you look down

from its

peak into the depth of the jewel the entire vibgyor or the sun would be easily

visiable in

full colours. According to Garud puranas, if the sides of a piece of diamond are

broken yet

there remain some points and lines and the rings of rainbow still visiable, that

piece is

auspicious enough to bless the native with prosperity and heirs.

 

(d) The defects of the diamond:

The gemologists have identified many demerits which should enlighten the native

about

the authenticity of a diamond piece. There are paleness, yellowishness, lined,

full of

depressions in the mass, oily, glazeless, extremely hard, dotted with black

bubbles, having

white dots, and having the sign of a crow's claws. Besides these, the diamond

piece having

red dots are highly injurious.

Spots – The diamond pieces with spots like water marks made the piece defective.

If the

spots are red that must always be rejected.

Black signs – If the diamond pieces would have the black stamps like the cluth

of a crow,

that is said to have been as inauspicious as the life takers.

If the diamond pieces were having the island type imprints on their masses,

which could

be of four colours such as white, yellow, red and black were considered

inauspicious.

However, those which used to have white spots on them were acceptable any how,

though

the others were not.

If the diamond pieces had acquired many unwanted elements in their sides, cones

and

middle of their masses, those were considered inauspicious.

The lines – If there were any of the four types of lines such as i) lines going

through the

left side, ii) lines going through the right side, iii) crossing the line or iv)

crossing the line

and going upwards then of these four the first one is considered of good

quality.

Others –apart from these, the pieces with oiliness, yellowish paleness,

grayness,

depression on the masses, cracks, lack of shine, and high roughness are all

considered

defective diamonds.

v) (some marks in the diamond, there is a line like a hair, mix with metals and

soils or

mud, possible to scratch by stones, irregular angels visible in the diamond, can

be

destroyed by fire, not emitting lights, no sparkles, not attractive to eyes.

Broken like water

holes in the front of the diamond, flat surfaces, long length size.)

If you wear the diamonds having defects, it will harm to friends, wealth and

even death

may occur. If you wear the diamonds having above mentioned qualities, it will

protect from

firearms, poisons and enemies.)

 

(e) Substitutes of the diamond: white (colourless) sapphire, white topaz,

zircon, quartz,

florite, tourmaline,

 

5. Yellow Sapphire:

(a) Yellow Sapphire is known in Sanskrit as Pushparaag, Peetaman, Guru ratna,

Guru priya,

Pusparaaj and in english, as Topaz. It is naturally bright yellow coloured, just

like the

flower Amaltas.

The natives born in the Sagittarious and Pisces have this gem as their principal

gem for

life. According to the western philosophy, those born in the month of November

get their

birth stone as Yellow Sapphire. According to the Parijat Jataka, " devejyasya

chau

pusparaagam" that means the Yellow Sapphires are the gem of the divine guru

Jupiter.

Yellow Sapphire ensures blesses with divinity.

 

(b) Characteristics of the yellow sapphire:

These Yellow Sapphires are also found in a few other colours such as gray,

slate, light blue

or light green. However, one cannot get the red or pink Sapphires from the

nature.

The glow of the Yellow Sapphire is an essential scientific quality that

determines its

originality.

Its outer shape and form is equal to its inner shape and forms as this

metamorphic crystal

does not have any different identity from its inner core.

 

© The qualities:

There are five very highly esteemed qualities of the Yellow Sapphire. They are

just like the

guru Jupiter always thinks of every body's welfare and actually embarks upon

changing

every person's bad times into good, it exudes good results to all, for the

benefic and

welfare of the native and all. The gem induces the native to do religious things

and think

religious only, unites the estranged lovers, tender conjugal bliss among the

couple,

ensures heirs, and thus is considered as the most pious gem world over.

 

It has felt heavy when put on one's palm.

Its look must be smooth, transparent, that means there should be no spot on it.

It should have uniform surface that means there should be no layers in it.

It should be graceful like a blossomed flower exuding many hues and when touched

it

must give the sense of smoothness in it.

It should sharpen its shine all the more after being rubbed against a piece of a

touch

stone.

 

(d) The defects:

1. The Yellow Sapphire piece, whose shine does not bloom its beauty.

2. It gives sand like roughness when touched.

3. Coarseness dominates.

4. Blackish tinges of bubbles are seen amidst its yellow colour.

5. It gives uneven surfaces - high and low

6. It has different hues and colours such as red yellowish or like a large

current fruit, pale

like yellow and white tings.

 

(e) Substitutes of yellow sapphire: Golden topaz, Yellow beryl (heliodor),

Citrine,

 

6. Blue Sapphire:

(a) In Sanskrit, the Neelam or Blue Sapphire has been named as Nelashma,

Neelaratna,

Shaniratna, Shanipraya, Indraneel. In English, it is called Blue Sapphire.

The colour is clear by its very name, a smooth transparent shining stone in blue

having

tremendous power to attract.

According to Jataka Paarijaata, " Shaneyh neelang nirmalam" that means Saturn

has its

favourite gem in the Blue Sapphire. Among the five great gems it has its special

place to

ascend.

For natives born under the Capricorn or Aquarius signs, the Blue Sapphire works

as the

gem for life, auspicious. It ensures them long life.

 

(b) Characteristics of the blue sapphire:

The blue sapphire as a stone is actually a compound of aluminium and oxygen.

There is a

small compound of cobalt mixed in the compound that gives it the blue colour.

These are

found comparatively more in numbers than any other star gems. These are found as

burning, mixture and step and kebecone….

 

© The qualities:

It shines other by its own rays and does not borrow others and found in the same

colours.

Must be very smooth

Must have special force of its own

Must have transparent shine

Have a mass which is well built

Gives soothing feel when touched by skin, and

Which have rays emerging from its core.

 

(d) The defects:

The defective Blue Sapphire are generally those which have various tinges,

stripes, milky

white, cracked, double hued, burnt, depressed, blemished and having windows.

 

(e) Substitutes of blue sapphire: Tanzanite (blue zoisite), Blue spinel, Iolite,

Amethyst,

 

7 Emerald:

(a) In Sanskrit, Emerald has been called Gaoortyat, Haridraratnag, Taakshyat,

Marakat,

Souperna, and Soumya. In Bengali, it is called Paannaa. Emerald that ensures

intelligence.

Its colour is green, shinning, and transparent. It is a bright, soft and

beautiful like the

fresh grasses and the lotus flowers, a very attractive and enchanting precious

stone.

According to the Jataka Paarijaaata "Marakatang soumyasya gaarutmakam". The

Emerald is

the gem that Mercury loves. It is one of the great five gems known as

pancharatna. The

Mercury is considered the prince in the council of the planets, one that ensures

intelligence, presence of mind, and success in any educational and career

pursuits. For the

native born under the signs of Gemini and Virgo, the emerald is known as their

gem for

life. Similarly, for the natives with ascendants as Gemini and Virgo, the gem

ensures not

only the long life but also fame.

 

(b) Characteristics of the Emerald:

According to the records cultured over a span of about one decade, it has been

found that

the gems are given very careful and delicate cuts, polishes and calibration for

proper

identification and use.

 

© The qualities:

Emeralds, if defectless, always catch one's heart by its look.

Emeralds are one of the rarest groups of the precious gems of the beryl family,

especially

known for their rich green colour.

If the piece is looked at through the Chessus filter, the piece would appear

pink in case of

Emerald.

The Emerald has paleness and fibrous residues.

Emerald have shinning like Pigeon, leaves of bamboo, banana and the flower of

Siris tree.

 

(d) The defects:

It has thick watery content.

Micaceous shines. Its transparency is generally very low.

Cracks.

Two colours.

Eterised or stillness.

Black or yellow spots.

Golden tinge, rough, shineless, and easily breakable.

 

(e) Substitutes of emerald: Tsavorite, Green tourmaline, Diopside, Peridot,

Jade.

 

8. Heassonite:

(a) In Sanskrit, the heassonite is known in many names such as Gomedak,

Pingasphatik,

Tamomani, Rahuratna, Tranavar. In English, it has an other name, cinnamon stone.

Its colour is mostly redish yellow, transparent, and a shinning gem. Heassonite

protects

from Rahu or Dragon's head.

 

(b) Characteristics of the Heassonite:

According to Jatakatatva, the hessionate is the colour of the Rahu. It is one of

the two

most dangerous planets that cause irreparable injuries to a native's life.

Though it has a

mathematical presence in Astrology, yet it does not have any figure. The planet

does not

have any particular choice gem or jewel of its own. According to Western

Calculation,

those who are born in August get the heassionate as their birth stone. It is

said that the

Uranus too has the heassonite as its choice gem.

 

© The qualities:

According to the contents of Ratna Prakash, that stone looks transparent like

the urine of

a cow, smooth, having uniform mass, does not have any layer in a piece, soft in

touch and

shinning is a high quality.

High grade zircons are generally popular as heassonites. Its surface is four

angled. Its

double coloured look is very prominent, can be discerned even in naked eyes. It

cannot be

cut easily. It has unique rays, just a little lower than a diamond's.

 

(d) The defects of Heassonite:

It should not be rough, have blisters, depression, or cracks, spots, double

hues, red and

white dots, fibres or corneal opacity or opaqueness in the mass.

 

(e) Substitutes of Heassonite: Orange zircon, Spessertite, other Orange Garnets,

 

9 The Cat's Eye:

(a) In Sanskrit, it is called as Vaidurya, Hemavaidoorya, Keturatna, Vidooraja,

Vidalaksha

and in English, is called as Cat's eye.

Available in yellowish white, blackish tinges, sometimes with bluish and

greenish mix are

also found. The colours of the Cat's Eye are mostly grey. Its look like the eyes

of a cat and

is transparent too. It has a unique catchy colour – a mix of sun and shadow that

attract

human towards it.

According to Jataka Paarjaata, " kaitu rvaadooryakey" or the cat's eye is a

stone favoured

by the Ketu.

 

(b) Characteristics of the cat's eye:

In astrology, it does not have any imaginary existence like the other planets.

Nor does it

have any sign under its dictates. As it is a shadow planet, it enters well with

almost all the

planets; hence to appease it one should wear the gems after consulting a learned

astrologer for guidance. The stone has become very attractive and popular.

 

© The qualities:

It is one of the hardest among the gems and jewels.

The Hem Vaidoorya is generally found transparent.

The stone has become very attractive and popular.

The Cat's Eyes with yellow tinge, whitish thread of natural rays are considered

of very

good quality, more straight the thread the better the quality.

It is a very soft encabomone cut stone.

It has natural greenish or natural green and gray mix look.

 

(d) The defects:

It would be depressed, cracked, micaceous, burnt, dotted, and a sort of paleness

as if

etherized.

 

(e) Substitutes of cat's eye: Beryl, Apatite, Tourmaline cat's eye, Godanta,

 

The gems we often use in talismans/ ornaments are more than mere decoration from

centuries. If these gems are properly used as suggested by astrologers and

gemologists, it

will found to have immense effect on human kind in enhancing happiness, peace

and

prosperity in life due to its cosmic effects. Although rare natural gems are not

affordable

by all, similar effects can be obtained by using upratnas to some extent. There

are many

theories related to use of gems, the consensus of astrologers and gemologists

have

recommended gems based on the favorable planet system of each individual birth

horoscope in order to boost up the power of that particular planet. It is

imperative to

consult the astrologers and gemologists before use of gems for its therapeutic

use to

ascertain potential effect. It is also advisable to wear gems after certain

rituals on

auspicious time and is not gem remains as a piece of ineffective stone. Due

precautions

need to be taken while using gems in terms of getting holistic favorable effect,

the gems

should be natural and flawless, if not it will be ineffective.

 

References

 

Beckman, H.(2001) Gemstone Substituations GIA, PG, , journal of planetary

gemologists

association, 2001,P 4

Brown, R. S. GIA, PG, (2001) Gemstone Clarity, journal of planetary gemologists

association, 2001, P7y and journal of the Planetary Gemologists Association, 2004, Bangkok,

Thailand.y and journal of the Planetary Gemologists Association, 2001, Bangkok,

Thailand.

Dr. Bhojraj Dwivedi The mystique of gems stones Diamond pocket book Pvt

Ltd, New

Delhi

Garud puranas

Jataka Paarijaata,

Jatakatatva

Ratna Prakash

Varahamihira ( ): Vrihatsamhita, Ratna Pareekshadhhyaya