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 are claimed (but NOT proven) to exhibit no transmission of cosmic color when viewed through an equilateral glass prism claimed to be used to see the cosmic color transmitted by gemstone. None of this is provable to the mundane Scientific Community, yet it is claimed they do not 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 most favourable planet or planets based on the horoscope. This is also a decision taken at the recent voting session of the Planetary Gemologists Association for favourable (Anukula-vad) 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 ensured by Vedic astrologers. 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 is best to 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

No. / Planets / Colour / Metal / Gemstones
1 Sun / Red / Gold / Ruby and red spinel, red garnet
2 Moon / Milky / Silver / Pearls, white coral and moonstones
3 Mars / Orange / Copper / Red corals, and red carnelian
4 Mercury / Green / Gold / Emerald, green tourmaline and tsavorite
5 Jupiter / Yellow / Gold / Yellow sapp. yellow topaz, tourmaline
6 Venus / Indigo / Platinum / Diamond, white sapphire and quartz
7 Saturn / Violet / Iron / Blue sapphire, iolite, indicolite
8 Rahu / Reddish / Alloy / Hessonite-Spessertite, orange zircon.
9 Ketu / Mixed / 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...

No. Signs / Lords / Recommended Gem
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

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.

(c) 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, and red tourmaline (rubellite)

2. Natural Pearl:

(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 natural pearl and the qualities:
There are two semi – gems of for natural pearl: shinning Oyster and Chandrakanta (moon stone). 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.

(c) 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.
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 and white coral

3. Coral:

(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.

(c) 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 Taurus 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.

(c) 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. also 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, 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, and colorless quartz

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.

(c) 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, 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 things.

(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.

(c) 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.

(c) 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. Hessonite:

(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 Hessonite:
According to Jatakatatva, the hessionite 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 hessionate as their birth stone. It is said that the Uranus too has the hessonite as its choice gem.

(c) 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 hessonites. 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 Hessonite:
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 Hessonite: Orange zircon, Spessertite, other Orange Garnets,

9. 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.

(c) 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 the PGA, 2001, P4
Brown, R. S. GIA, PG, (2001) Gemstone Clarity, Journal of the PGA, 2001, P7
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Garud puranas
Jataka Paarijaata,
Jatakatattva
Ratna Preekash
Varahamihira
Vrihat-samhita
Ratna Pareekshadhhyaya

Dr. Badri Raj Joshi, B.A., M.S.C. (Predictive Astrology), Ph.D., PGA, P.O. Box No. 235, Lalitpur, Katmandu, Nepal, Tel: 0977-1-552-5747, Email: brjoshi11@yahoo.com