DIAMOND - Heera (for Venus).

Vajra or diamonds adamantine lustre gives a beautiful 'fire' or sparkle to the stone. Value is determined by a grading system that rates color, clarity and weight with lesser value given to cut proportions and surface finish..

Sukra or Venus is harmonized by diamond. Sukra represents luxuries, romance, partnership wealth, beauty, arts, comforts, jewelry, happiness, and vehicles. Diamonds are also associated with luxuries, jewelry, wealth, beauty etc. Sukra or Venus has since antiquity symbollized beauty, not just in material life but inner life as well. Diamonds high lustre symbolizes the refined liveliness and loveliness of nature within and around us.
Sukra or Venus in the human physiology corresponds to the activity of the pars reticulata. This structure in the physiology refines and controls action in the limbic system related to instincts, feelings and emotions etc. This action is associated with those impulses in the physiology that correspond to the qualities of life influenced most strongly by Sukra.
It is said that the one who wears a Diamond has a luxurious life . 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 in the native. It improves financial conditions and blesses the native with comforts and peace of mind. It also enhances sexual power. Also helpful in diabetes, diseases of urine, of private parts, syphilis, skin and uterine diseases. Diamond should he worn on 1st finger of right hand on Friday 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 had 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. A well cut diamond if viewed from the back and held up to the light, will show only a pinpoint of light from the culet.
In addition, looking down on a brilliant-cut diamond one cannot see the wearer's finger below the stone, as can be seen in other stones. White light entering a diamond is dispersed into a spectrum of colours, giving flasks of different colours from the smaller crown facets.

CAT'S EYE - Lehsuniya(for Ketu)

Vaidurya or Cat's Eye is the name given to the variety of chrysoberyl which beautifully displays the phenomenon of chatoyancy. The numerous inclusions line up to form very fine, parallel crystal needles. Cat's eyes are always cut in cabachons to emphasize the eye effect.

Vaidurya or Cat's Eye harmonizes Ketu which is traditionally known as the tail of the dragon. In Jyotish, Ketu is the descending node of Chandra (Moon). It's influences are similar to Mangal or Mars and include liberation, abstract thinking, asceticism, non-attachment, healing, moksha--enlightenment, wisdom and that which is hidden.
Ketu's influence in the physiology is represented by the tail of the caudate. It's influence is over learning and emotions.
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 (horse racing, 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 which 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.

ZIRCON - Gomedh or Hessonite (for Rahu)

Gomedhaka or hessonite is a variety of grossular garnet. It has good lustre and looks transparent. The color is brownish-orange and is often called cinnamon stone. These gems are often given step or mixed cuts. Hessonite garnets are found especially in Sri Lanka.

Gomedhaka or Hessonite Garnet represents Rahu, the ascending node of the moon. It's natural significations include worldly desires, worldly benefits, laziness, gratification, and ignorance. It is by nature unpredictable and creates sudden changes and influences, rigidity and passion. It is similar to Sani or Saturn in its nature and influence.
Traditionally, rahu is known as the head of the dragon. In the human physiology, rahu corresponds to the head of the caudate. The caudate is involved in the control of the saccadic eye movements (the abrupt short shifts of focus in the eyes). The caudate influences memory in relation to orientation in space. The caudate is responsible for our ability to change behavior patterns.
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.

EMERALD - Panna (for Mercury)

Marakata or emeralds are known by their distinctive green color and can vary from light to dark green. All emeralds contain inclusions formed during their growth. Inclusions indicate the stone is natural. The most common cut is the step or emerald cut.

Marakata or emerald harmonizes and strengthens the positive influences of Budha or mercury. These influences include intelligence, education, speech, teaching, learning, communication, confidence, writing, drawing, trade, humour, wit, discrimination, diplomacy. intellect and commerce. Budha or Mercury is the ?prince? in Jyotish and is influenced by Surya and Chandra.
Budha or Mercury in the human physiology is associated with the sub-thalamic nucleus which resides in the brain and receives input from various parts of the brain which directly influences its activity. Similar to the placement of Budha or Mercury which revolves around Surya (Sun) and is directly influenced by that relationship, the sub-thalamic nucleus activity is influenced by the input it receives and modulates its output accordingly.
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, cools the 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 diarrhea, dysentery, gastritis, peptic ulcer, asthma, insomnia, heart troubles, etc. Emerald should be used in gold of 3, 5, 7 or 10 grams 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, Tanzania, South Africa, India, Australia, Austria, Pakistan, Kenya and Zambia. In India, Emeralds are found in Rajasthan, Orissa and Madhya Pradesh.

IDENTIFICATION

Emeralds from various mines have different kinds of inclusions. These inclusions 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. The inclusions in Emeralds include flakes of mica, inclusions like fibre, milky white spots, straw and bamboos and small cubes of rock salt are also seen sometimes. Black spots are also 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 got into it. The synthetic Emeralds contain nail-like inclusions, brush-marks or chains of bubbles.

RED CORAL - Praval or Moonga (for Mars)

Vidruma or coral is an organic gem that comes from reefs and atolls. The most valued coral is the noble red coral seen here (Corallicum rubrum). The color is uniform throughout with no pits or color streaks. Polished coral has a vitreous lustre. Due to pollution, coral is an endangered species.

Vidruma or coral influences Mangal or Mars which is responible for the field of activity, energy, courage, ambition, sports, property, strength, commander, technical ability, mechanical, forcefulness and bravery. In Jyotish, Mangal is known as the commander-in-chief, due to its influence in organizing and managing direction in activity. Mangal or Mars is like a General with its focus on precision and power in activity.
Mangal in our physiolgy is associated with the Red Nucleus, Pars Compacta, and Amygdala. These structures in the brain control activity by providing checks and balances, activating and inhibiting impulses in the brain, and maintaining steadiness and precision of movement. These influences can be strengthened with the wearing of Vidruma or coral when recommended.
It is said that Red Coral instills courage in its wearer. It also helps in curing blood -related diseases. It is normally 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 worn in silver or copper, and should be of 9, 11, 12 grams, on Tuesday on 1st or 4th finger of right hand. It is a hot stone.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Coral is a product of sea. It is formed from the calcareous skeletons of myriads of tiny polyps (which means insect with many feet) which live in vast colonies in warm waters at a moderate depth. It is composed chiefly of calcium carbonate. This is arranged as fibres radiating from the central axis of the curving coral branches. Its specific Gravity is 2.68 and 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.

OCCURRENCE

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

IDENTIFICATION

Coral, being an opaque gem, is very difficult to identify. A lot of eye practice 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. As real corals are not very clear and if clear they are very costly. Manmade corals are very commonly found in the market places being sold as real corals.

PEARL - Moti (for Moon)

Mukta or pearl is the most valued of the organic gems. A pearl is a very special and exclusive gift of nature considered universally as the oldest known gem. The most valued come from the ocean and have a visible lustre or sheen with the most common being white or cream with a rose overtone.

Mukta or pearl represents the queen in Jyotish. The pearl is often called the queen of the sea. The pearl harmonizes Chandra, the moon which directly influences emotions, mind, affluence, and public. Wearing a pearl can bring harmony and stability to these influences. Chandra influences the seasonal, monthly and daily cycles and rhythms in the physiology and our emotions.
Chandra, the moon, occupies a central role in the solar system and in our physiology. This influence is represented by the hypothalmus in our physiology which controls our behavior, our emotions, our hormonal and reproductive cycles and our body temperature. It nourishes the physiology like a mother or queen and occupies a central place in the centre of the brain with the thalmus.
One who possesses or wears a good pearl enjoys the blessings of Laksmi, the goddess of prosperity. This blessed one will live long and become free of evil, developing vitality and intelligence. He or she will achieve much renown and come to a high position due to the wisdom endowed by the pearl.

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 avioided 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 perals are considered the best, though pearls from Bahrain are highly prized. In India the best pearls come from Bay of Bengal and fom Tuticorin in South India.

IDENTIFICATION

Pearls grow inside oysters and rarely elsewhere (bamboo, cobra, conch etc). 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. Misshapen or otherwise defective pearls are not suitable either, although very small genuine pearls (too small fo jewellery) may be powdered and used for medicinal 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.

YELLOW SAPPHIRE - Topaz/Pushkaraj (for Jupiter).

Pushparaga or yellow sapphire is a lesser known gem in today's market. Known as Oriental topaz until the mid-1800's Colors vary from light yellow to golden and honey yellow. They have considerable lustre, come in a variety of cuts and are increasing in market value.

Pushparaga or yellow sapphire harmonizes and benefits Guru or Jupiter, the largest graha (planet) in the solar system. It signifies knowledge, wisdom, virtue, fortune, justice, education, future, religion, philosophy, devotion, children, distant travel, spirituality, truthfulness, prosperity and charity. Guru is the major instructor or teacher and influences action with the highest order and balance. Guru guides action in the most harmonious and uplifting manner and balances inner and outer input while simultaneously performing and monitoring action.
Guru or jupiter's influence in the human physiology is through the globus pallidus. This globular structure is like a teacher in the physiology. It gives balanced and higher-order instructions, balances and maintains harmony between inner and outer input, manages and executes complex systems and enlivens activity in the brain while guiding action. It signifies highest-order thinking -- Knowledge has organizing power.

This is one of the most widely used gems to help achieve better financial status. The wearer may expect wealth, good health, name, honour and fame if the Gem suits him or her.
It is also believed that if there are obstructions in finding a suitable match for a girl, she gets married early by wearing a Yellow Sapphire. This is normally light yellow in colour.
Topaz or Pushkaraj is a cold gem. It improves vision, gives life security, protects ones 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. These are considered to be the best in the world. Few 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.

BLUE SAPPHIRE - Neelam (for Saturn)

Indraneela or blue sapphire is known for its striking lustre and color which range from light to very dark blue. Blue sapphires may be given a variety of cuts; the most common being the oval cut. Blue sapphires are one of the most highly prized of the corundum species.

Sani or Saturn represents longevity, discipline, authority, ambition, leadership, honesty, perfection, humility, elders, denial, delays, misery, adversity,accidents, conservatism and dutifulness. It's role is often symbolized as a servant. It's influence is often seen as restrictive or obstructive yet its influence also seeks to bring balance. It's influences may be harmonized by the blue sapphire. Sani is furthest from the Sun.
Sani or Saturn in the human physiology is expressed through the activities of the putamen. The putamen, like Sani in the solar system, is placed at the outer edge of the basal ganglia. It's influence, like Sani, is that of a servant. It receives major input and instructions that it transmits to the basal ganglia.

Neelam removes evil effects of Saturn. It is said that this stone has the magical power to elevate its user to a higher status from all sides. Some astrologers believe that Blue Sapphire or Neelam is so powerful if used properly that it can alleviate even long-term misfortune. However there is a caution. Sometimes this stone may react adversely. It is advisable to first test it for a week before final wearing. It could give you everything you could desire - health, wealth, longevity, happiness. It also restores lost wealth and property.
This is normally faint or dark blue in colour. Sapphire or Neelam is a very cold gem. They may be yellow also. It brings wealth, name and fame. Also gives good stamina, longevity and security in life. Can improve fertility in a barren woman. Best suited for joy, love and happiness. It cures fainting, fits, virility, mental disorder, deafness and baldness.
It should be used on 2nd finger of right hand in gold or panch dhatu on Saturday and the weight is 5 or 7 grams.

Manek- Ruby

Manikya or ruby, the rarest of gemstones, is a red sapphire and often regarded as the king of gems Rubies vary in color and brighten in strong light. Some rubies are pinkish red or violet/purplish red in color, with different colors and shades of color often found in the same stone.

Manikya or ruby balances Surya (sun). Surya represents the king of the solar system in Jyotish. It also represents authority, power, Self, father, body and health. Depending on the placement of Surya in your birth chart, the wearing of a ruby may be very auspicious in strengthening the positive influences of Surya.

Surya, the sun acts like the thalamus in the human physiology. The sun is the central focal point in the solar system as is the thalamus in our body. All activity in the solar system revolves around the sun. In our physiology, all activity is controlled and ordered by the thalamus. Enlivening the positive influences of Surya strenghens the physiology and strengthens the qualities of Surya in our daily life.

Ruby is said to give name, fame, vigor, virtue, warmth and the capacity to command to its user. It can also raise the individual far above the status in which he was born. Historically, it has been symbolic of love and passion. This is normally red in colour. Ruby is a hot stone.
On diseases front: Ruby helps cure peptic ulcer, fever, rheumatism, gout etc. However prolonged use may cause boils, itch and insomnia as well. Do consult an astrologer or a gemologist before wearing this or any other stone. Ladies should avoid the use of Ruby as it can destroy the body lustre.
Ruby should be used in gold in third or ring finger of right hand on Sunday. Ideally should be of 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 it 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.

IDENTIFICATION

Natural Rubies are never 'clean' i.e., 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 these inclusions are not visible to the naked eye, then the eyeglass should be used to detect them. If even under high magnification no such inclusions are visible, then the Gem you are checking is most probably 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.