Navratans

The Magic of the Navratna, or Nine Gems

In Indian tradition, the sacred gems relating to the nine planets are called “The Navratna". Each of these gems has an important role to play in strengthening or counteracting the power of its ruling planet.

THE NINE GEMS OR NAVRATNAS ARE

NAME OF STONE	RULING PLANET
Yellow Sapphire or Topaz (Pukhraj)	For planet Jupiter
Blue Sapphire (Neelam)	For planet Saturn
Ruby (Manik)	For planet Sun
Emerald (Panna)	For planet Mercury
Red Coral (Moonga)	For planet Mars
Diamond (Heera)	For planet Venus
Zircon (Gomedh)	For planet Rahu
Cat’s Eye Lehsuniya	For planet Ketu
Pearl (Mukta)	For planet Moon

 YELLOW SAPPHIRE or Topaz/Pushkaraj (Jupiter).

Yellow Sapphire is the most widely used gem stone as it’s properties help in achieving better financial status.

It is said that if the gem suits the wearer , the individual can expect wealth, good health, name, honour and fame. It is also believed that if there are obstructions in finding a suitable match for a girl, she will marry early wearing a Yellow Sapphire. Yellow sapphire as the name suggests is normally light yellow in colour..

Topaz or Pushkaraj is a cold gem. It improves vision, gives life security, protects from poverty, removes adversity, misfortune and melancholy.

In diseases, Topaz cures diarrhea, gastritis, ulcer, rheumatism, jaundice, insomnia, heart troubles, impotency, gout, arthritis, pain in knee joints, etc. Topaz should be worn in gold, on 1st finger of right hand on Thursday.

The weight should be of 7 or 13 grams.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Sapphires, are simply crystallized alumina (Al2O3) and in their pure form are devoid of colour.
Sapphires are found in various colours  which include pink, blue, green, yellow, orange and white. In India, Yellow Sapphire is known as Pukhraj and Blue Sapphire is known as Neelam. It has a specific gravity of 3.99, mean refractive index (RI) 1.765 and Hardness of 9 on the Moh's scale.

OCCURRENCE

Sapphires are found in India, Brazil, Sri Lanka, Russia, Thailand, Australia, U.S.A, U.K., Nepal, Mexico, Zambia and Nigeria. In India, Sapphires are found in Jammu and Kashmir. These are considered to be the best in the world. Some sapphires are also found in Orissa, but they are not of very high quality.

IDENTIFICATION

Natural Sapphires carry within them clear signs of slow crystallization. Some of the external elements sometimes remains preserved in the Gem which helps its identification. Like all other precious gems it should have inclusions which should be visible to the naked eye or under magnification. Otherwise, it is a piece of glass or a synthetic substance.

The inclusions are generally like 'feathers' or are like finger print impressions. Liquid inclusions looking like lace are also sometimes visible. Synthetic Sapphires are very common in the market and many traders in order to earn fast money sell them as originals. These are very clear and under magnification show bubble like inclusions. Sometimes feather like inclusions have also seen but they shine abnormally under light.

RUBY Manik (for Sun)

Ruby is said to also have very powerful properties and can give name, fame, and the capacity to command or become a leader to its user.

It can also raise the individual’s status far above the he was born into. Historically, the Ruby stone has been symbolic of love and passion and has many legends associated with it. It is normally red in colour. Ruby is a hot stone.

Ruby helps cure peptic ulcer, fever, rheumatism, gout etc. Prolonged uses can have some side effects and it is recommended to  consult an astrologer or a gemologist before wearing the stone, or any other stone.

Ladies should avoid the use of Ruby as it can destroy the body lustre. Ruby should be used in gold on third or ring finger of right hand on Sunday. Ideally it should be about 3 or 5 grams in weight.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

The name Ruby comes from Latin Rubrum, which means 'Red'. Ruby, which is corundum, is simply crystallized alumina (Al2O3) and in pure form is devoid of colour. The rich colour in Ruby is mainly due to small amounts of chronic oxide, which is able to replace part of alumina without disturbing the trigonal crystal structure. It has a specific gravity of 3.99. Mean Refractive Index is 1.765 and the hardness is 9 on the Moh's scale.

OCCURRENCE

Ruby is found in Burma, Thailand, Sri Lanka, East Africa, Kenya, Nepal, Afghanistan, India and Pakistan. The best Rubies are from the Magok district of Burma. Thai Rubies are comparatively less attractive and the Rubies found in Sri Lanka are pink.

DENTIFICATION

Natural Rubies are never, without inclusions. They contain inclusions which look like 'silk'. Natural Ruby encloses small crystals of other minerals, in the form of pale angular grains, cavities of irregular shapes, patches of fine needle-like criss-crossing canals which give a silky effect by reflected light.

If no inclusions are visible to the naked eye, then the eyeglass should be used to detect them.
And even when under high magnification no such inclusions are visible, then the gem you are checking a piece of glass. A synthetic Ruby will either not contain any inclusions or else it will have bubble-like inclusions, or cracks (as seen in a glass) will be visible. The cracks will give a milky hue and will be of an even nature.

EMERALD Panna (for Mercury)

Emerald improves faculties related to the brain such as memory, communication, intuition, the intellect and the ability to learn. It is normally petal green or dark green in colour.

Emerald is a hot gem. It increases intelligence and brainpower, removes and cures fickle-mindedness, loss of memory, stammering, fear from souls and spirits, cooling harsh speech. One of the interesting observations about Emerald is that it is not prescribed for newly wed couples. It is said that newly married couples should not use it, as it impairs conjugal happiness due to reduction in sexual desires.

It is also useful for curing, gastritis, peptic ulcer, asthma, insomnia and heart related problems.
Emerald should be set in gold of 3, 5, 7 or 10 grams and worn on 4th finger of right hand on Wednesday.

An Emerald wearer is likely to find sufficient wealth.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Emerald, which is a Gem of Beryl family, is a silicate of beryllium and aluminium 3BeO.Al2O3.6SiO2. The colour of Emerald is mainly due to traces of chromium replacing aluminium ions in the hexagonal beryl crystal. It has a specific Gravity of 2.71, mean refractive index is 1.58 and hardness is 7.5 on the moh's scale.

OCCURRENCE

Emerald is found in Colombia, Brazil, Russia, South Africa, Tanzania, India, Australia, Austria,, Kenya and Zambia. In India, Emeralds are found in Rajasthan, Orissa and Madhya Pradesh.
Columbian emeralds are said to be more expensive and excellent quality.

DENTIFICATION

Emeralds from various mines have different kinds of inclusions, which can be seen with the naked eye, or else under magnification. If no inclusions are seen even under magnification, the chances are that the Gem under examination is either a piece of glass or a fake.

Inclusions in Emeralds include flakes of mica, fibrous material, milky-white spots, straw, and
small cubes of rock salt are seen sometimes. Black spots are often seen in Emeralds.

Emeralds were formed when lava coming out from the volcanoes solidified on the surface of the earth. At this stage its fast solidification led to certain flaws in its crystal formation and certain foreign elements also entered the matrix. Synthetic Emeralds contain nail-like inclusions, brush-marks or chains of bubbles.

RED CORAL Praval or Moonga (for Mars)

Red Coral is said  to instill courage in its wearer. It also helps in curing diseases related to blood.
Coral is normally a magnificent red in color. Coral ensures material happiness, recovery from diseases indicated by Mars such as fever, cough, bilious complaints, smallpox, chickenpox, headache, loss of vitality, piles, boils, measles etc. It should be set in silver or copper, and should be of 9, 11, 12 grams, on Tuesday on 1st or 4th finger of right hand. Ruby is not a hot stone.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Corals are products of the sea. They are formed from the calcareous skeletons of myriads which live in vast colonies in warm waters at  moderate depth. Corals are composed mainly of calcium carbonate.

This is arranged as fibers radiating from the central axis of the curving coral branches. It has a  specific Gravity is 2.68 and its hardness is less than 4 on the Moh's scale. It is an opaque stone. Many forms of coral exist, but only high quality red, pink, blue, black and white corals are used in jewellery. The most popular being red, which is said to have amazing healing powers as well.

OCCURRENCE

Corals are found in Italy, India, Sri Lanka ,Australia, Japan, Tibet, Malaysia, South, Africa, Algeria and U.S.A.

IDENTIFICATION

Coral, being an opaque gem, is very difficult to identify. A practiced eye is required to differentiate between a natural and a manmade coral. Natural corals, if seen under magnification, always tell the story of their origin. They have black marks which are actually holes.

A very careful examination is required to identify a natural coral. Real corals are not very clear and if clear they are very costly. Manmade corals are very commonly found in the marketplaces being sold as real corals.

 DIAMOND Heera (for Venus).

Diamond is also supposed to enhance the name, fame and artistic quality of the person. Diamond is a hot gem It creates goodness and removes evil and fearful thoughts from the mind of the person wearing it. A diamond ca improves financial conditions of the person who wears it and gives with comforts and peace of mind.

It also enhances sexual power. Diamonds help in curing or preventing diabetes, diseases of urine, syphillis, skin and uterine diseases. Diamond should be worn on 1st finger of right hand on Friday you can set it in gold or platinum. The weight should be 1/4 or 1/2 gram.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

The name diamond comes from the Greek 'adamas', meaning 'invincible' in recognition of its exceptional hardness which makes it resist any form of abrasion by other minerals. Diamond is carbon in its pure form. Chemically there is no difference between diamond, coal and graphite.
But the unique atomic bonding makes the difference.

It has a specific gravity of 3.52, mean Refractive Index is 2.418 and has a hardness of 10 on the Moh's scale.

OCCURRENCE

Diamonds are found in South Africa, Australia, Russia, Kenya, Ghana, Angola, Tanzania, Brazil and India.

In India, Diamonds are found in Madhya Pradesh, Orrisa and Andhra Pradesh.

IDENTIFICATION

For a Diamond to be real, it must possess some inclusions. These inclusions are visible by naked eye or under magnification. If no inclusions, black spots or milk patches are visible in a Diamond then either it is a zirconia or piece of glass. Diamonds which do not have any inclusions under 50x magnification are very rare and can be found with collectors only. The small black spots visible in Diamonds are crystals of Graphite or other forms of Carbon. These black spots shine under light. Diamonds have an affinity for grease, the surface of a cut Diamond will generally have a film of grease if it has been handled.

The most important test of a diamond is that all light entering the front of the stone is totally reflected from the back facets, which form a series of mirrors stones. White light entering a diamond is dispersed into a spectrum of colours, giving flasks of different colours from the smaller crown facets.

ZIRCON Gomedh or Hessonite (for Rahu)

The shadow planet Rahu is supposed to be responsible for all sorts of delays or very late fulfillment of ambitions. Gomedh can help in achieving speedy success in less time than expected. Gomedh also improves dealing with people and protects its wearer from sudden misfortunes. This is normally reddish-chocolate in colour. Gomedh is cold in nature. It cures diseases caused by affliction of Rahu and Saturn. It also increases appetite, vitality, confers good health, wealth and happiness and all round prosperity. It is said to be the best gem to avert stomach ailments, disaster, insanity, and evil spirits.

It should be used in silver on Saturday on 2nd finger of right hand. The weight should be 6, 11, 13 grams.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Its name comes from Greek 'esson' meaning 'inferior', since these gems are supposed to be less valuable. Gomedh is a Gem of the Garnet family. Magnets can pull these Gems, which is a very special phenomenon, as magnets otherwise pull only certain metals. Chemically it is known as Grossular (3CaO.Al2O3.3SiO2). It is found in number of colours like green and pink, but generally it is orange brown. It has a hardness of 7.25 on the Moh's Scale, specific gravity is 3.65 and Refractive Index is 1.74.

OCCURRENCE

It is available in abundance. It is found in India, Sri Lanka, Brazil, Australia, Tanzania, South Africa, Burma, Mexico, Russia, Italy, Kenya, Canada, U.S.A, and Malaysia. In India it is found in Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, Rajasthan and Bihar. Gaya mines in Bihar are the biggest source of this gem. Recently, very good quality of this Gem has been found in Orissa.

IDENTIFICATION

This Gem contains inclusions which look like scattered islands or flat bubbles. The colour is like honey shining under a ray of light. The inside, when viewed under magnification looks like a thick sticky liquid and certain areas look out of shape with lesser transparency.

CAT'S EYE Lehsuniya (for Ketu)

This protects its wearer from hidden enemies, mysterious dangers and diseases. It is normally milky in colour.

The gem is very hot in nature. In the event that it does not suit the wearer, the gem sometimes gives immediate signals like uneasiness, restlessness etc.

Cat's Eye is supposed to counter the evil effects of Ketu and diseases caused by Mars. It may prevent unexpected mishaps of life, curing mania, paralysis etc. It protects the wearer from accidents and secret enemies. For businessmen, it is a miraculous result-giving stone, bestowing wealth by secret means like horse racing, gambling, stock exchange market and speculations.

It also protects from drowning, intoxication, and Government punishment. It is said to bring fortunes to those who gamble (horseracing, casinos) and should be worn in gold on 2nd finger or 3rd finger of right hand.

The weight should be 3, 5 or 7 grams.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Cat's Eye is a gem which displays a band of light at the top which moves when the gem is tilted.
The Mineral is chemically known as Chrysoberyl (BeO.Al2O3). The chemical bonding is rhombic. It is generally found in greenish, brownish, yellowish and colourless shades. It has a specific gravity of 3.71 and hardness of 8.5 on the Moh's scale.

It is a fairly hard material which wears well as a ring stone, although it is brittle.

OCCURRENCE

Cat's Eye is found in Sri Lanka, Brazil and India on a very big scale. It is also found in South Africa, Russia, Burma and U.S.A.

In India, it has been found in a very big way in Orissa. It is also found in Kerela, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Bihar.

IDENTIFICATION

Being an opaque gem poses certain difficulties in differentiating the natural gem from artificial material. One striking difference that one can tell after some experience of seeing natural Cat's Eye Gems is that the artificial Cat's Eye will be too clear and the Cat's Eye effect will be too marked. But a closer examination under magnification will show signs of a natural gem – like small marks, grains of stone and the small irregularies below the polished surface. The lower part of a Cat's Eye is not polished but only ground, so one can see the roughness of the stone there.

PEARL Mukta (for Moon)

One who possesses or wears a good pearl is said to always enjoy the blessings of Goddess Laksmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

The best pearls are moonlike, shining white in colour, with a perfectly round, globular shape. They should be compact, with a high specific gravity, spotless and free from blemishes. The appearance should be lustrous and smooth. Pearls may be white, giving spiritual gifts, rosy, giving intelligence and power, yellow, bringing material prosperity. Black pearls are rare, but are not ideal for development. Coppery or non-lustrous, dirty, cracked, misshapen or otherwise defective pearls should be avoided as they are inauspicious.

OCCURRENCE

Pearls are found in Sri Lanka, India, Persian Gulf, Venezuela, Mexico and Australia. Australian pearls are generally considered less desirable. Sri Lankan pearls are considered the best, though pearls from Bahrain are highly prized. In India the best pearls come from Bay of Bengal and from Tuticorin in South India.

DENTIFICATION

Pearls grow inside oysters and rarely elsewhere. Today cultured pearls are available which may be distinguished from genuine pearls by the bore, which is unifom in the genuine, but thin at the start and wide in the middle in the cultured pearl. Another difference is the structure, which is concentric in the genuine pearl, but parallel in the cultured. Natural pearls are also available. These are created like cultured pearls by the intentional insertion of foreign matter into the oyster, but mother-of-pearl is used rather than glass bead. Natural pearls are better than cultured pearls, but both are acceptable if a genuine pearl is unavailable.

Imitation pearls made from fish scales are also sold, but these are not suitable for our purposes.

One very important factor, which anyone trying to identify a Gem should note, is that some "faults" are always present in a genuine Gem – their absence and not their presence should be a cause for concern. However, as a rule, any Gem should be shaped in a pleasing manner, lustrous, of pure colour and fine texture. Pearls in particular should not be misshapen.