Gemstones in Vedic Astrology
- Vikram Devatha
- Sep 2
- 6 min read
If you’ve ever visited any of the older jewellery bazaars in India, you’ll have seen the tiny stalls that are more like mini-shrines - with strings of yellow marigold flowers, several brass Ganesha idols, and a velvet-lined tray with rubies, emeralds, blue sapphires among others.
The vendor will tell you that a particular gem can “change your life in forty days.” or something like that.. I’m not sure of such claims. The reason is simple: I believe a gem stone is more of a tuning fork, than a magic wand.
The mythical origin of gemstones
Agastya-samhitā (Garuda Purāna, chapter 68) mentions that gemstones were formed when Lord Vishnu, as Vamana Avatar placed his feet on King Bali’s head. Gemstones were formed all over Bali’s body, and they scattered in all directions. The Gods, Yakshas, Siddhas and Nagas rushed to gather them. In that rush, some seeds slipped from their hands and fell to the ground, and wherever they landed - in oceans, rivers, mountains or forests - mines of those gemstones were formed.
The text names several gems that were formed -
Padmarāga (ruby)
Marakata (emerald)
Indranīla (blue sapphire)
Vaidūrya (cat’s‑eye or lapis‑lazuli)
Pusparāga (yellow sapphire/topaz)
Vajra (diamond)
Mukta (pearl)
Karketana
Pulaka
Rudhirāksya (bloodstone)
Sphatika (crystal)
Vidruma (coral)
These stones are described as having powers to cleanse sins, protect against poison, snakebites, and disease - but others may have contrary effects if they are flawed or wrongly chosen.
The real-world logic behind “strengthening” a planet
In Jataka Parijata, Vaidyanatha maps the gemstones to the planets, by saying
“The ruby is the precious stone of the Sun. The pure, spotless pearl belongs to the Moon, and coral is associated with Mars. Mercury’s precious stone is the emerald, said to resemble the feathers of Garuda. The topaz belongs to Jupiter, while Venus is linked to the diamond. Saturn’s gem is the blue sapphire. Among the shadow planets, agate and lapis lazuli (or turquoise) are said to belong to Rahu and Ketu, respectively.” (Ch 2, Shloka 21)
Astrologers believe that a gem amplifies the attributes of the planet in the natal chart, both good and bad. Hence, it is recommended to use gemstones of planets that are weak in the chart, rather than for the strong planets. Also, special care must be taken if the said planet is combust, debilitated, hemmed in by other malefics, or sitting in difficult houses such as the 6, 8 or 12.
For instance, when Mars is weak, you may find yourself procrastinating or perpetually tired. In such cases, a good red coral can serve as a symbol and a nudge to move our bodies, speak up, finish what we start. That, more than the calcium carbonate lattice of the coral itself, may be what brings the shift.
When a gem is the wrong prescription
There are situations where a stone simply isn’t warranted. A strong and well-placed planet doesn’t need reinforcement; strengthening it may upset the chart’s overall balance. Similarly a transit problem - say, a rough Saturn transit for instance, may respond better to behavioural remedies because those shape character rather than intensifying the planet in the natal chart through gem stones.
It is necessary to do the basic groundwork first, of studying the natal chart, before selecting the planet that needs to be amplified with gemstones.
Testing compatibility before you buy
The Garuda Purana advises that gems must be chosen carefully under the guidance of an expert. Their shape, colour, clarity, and any defects should be checked first, and only then should their value be determined. Also, note that stones under two carats are largely ornamental. For therapeutic impact, most astrologers insist on at least 3-5 carats, and set such that the gem touches the skin.
I came across an interesting field test for selecting a gem stone (though this is not practical in today’s world where we have to purchase the gemstone before we can wear it) - tape the stone to your arm for a week and track mood, dreams, and real-life events. A truly compatible stone will feel good, “warm” or “alive,” whereas an unsuitable one produces headaches or irritability or other such symptoms. Whether the effects we feel are placebo or subtle energy is less important than the data you collect about yourself. If nothing feels off, then the gem stone is meant for you. This seems like a great method if we already possess several gemstones and unable to decide which one is needed at a given moment. I haven’t particularly tested this method, but would be curious if any of my readers have tried this.
Turning your ring into a mindfulness device
Once a gemstone is purchased, it is important to cleanse it physically and energetically before using it. Stones often carry residual energies from handling, storage, and transit, so purifying them creates a clean slate for your intention. The traditional method prescribed in Jyotish texts involves immersing the stone in a small bowl containing raw cow’s milk and Ganga jal (or clean, sanctified water) for about 15 to 20 minutes. Some astrologers recommend cleaning it with salt water and placing it under a waxing Moon. This combination is believed to neutralise negative vibrations and infuse the stone with purity. For delicate stones like pearls, emeralds, and opals, which are sensitive to milk, you can use a simple mixture of water and a pinch of rock salt instead. After soaking, rinse the gem gently in clean water and wipe it with a soft, natural cloth. This prepares the gemstone to receive your intention and planetary energy when you wear it.
The next step is to energise it by invoking the power of its ruling planet.
Hold the stone in your right hand, sit facing east (or west for Saturn, Rahu, and Ketu), and chant the mantra associated with the gemstone 108 times. For example, chant “ॐ सूर्याय नमः” (Om Sūryāya Namah) for the ruby, or “ॐ बृहस्पतये नमः” (Om Brhaspataye Namah) for the yellow sapphire. As you chant, visualise the planet’s positive energy flowing into the stone, activating its natural vibrations.
After the chanting, close your eyes and silently set a sankalpa, an intention, or prayer. For example, an intention for Jupiter could be: “May this gemstone connect me to the positive energies of Jupiter and bring wisdom, clarity, and balance into my life.” This trains your mind to notice situations during the day where you can express Jupiter’s qualities - like wisdom, patience and generosity. Over weeks, those micro-choices snowball into visible changes, tough to credit directly to the mineral, yet cannot be separated from the ritual around it.
It is advised to set the gemstone in a metal recommended for that planet - gold for the Sun, silver for the Moon, copper for Venus, and so on - and wear it on the day that corresponds to that planet. Some advise wearing it on the right hand (or active hand) if you want to activate the energies of that planet, and on the left hand (or passive hand) if you want to soften/balance the energies of the planet.
Planet | Gemstone | Recommended Metal |
Sun | Ruby (Manikya) | Gold |
Moon | Pearl (Moti) | Silver |
Mars | Red Coral (Moonga) | Copper |
Mercury | Emerald (Panna) | Gold / Silver |
Jupiter | Yellow Sapphire (Pukhraj) | Gold |
Venus | Diamond (Heera) / White Sapphire | Platinum / Silver |
Saturn | Blue Sapphire (Neelam) | Silver / Panchdhatu |
Rahu | Hessonite (Gomed) | Silver |
Ketu | Cats Eye (Lehsunia) | Silver |
A closing caution and an invitation
A final word of caution from both classical texts and modern forums: never lend a gem to someone else, and don’t recycle a family gem stone unless the chart is checked. Stones carry emotional residue, and while that’s contentious scientifically, anyone who has held an heirloom ring after a relative’s passing knows that objects can store that person’s energy. Better get a fresh, ethically sourced gem, clean it, consecrate it with a short mantra, and wear it in the right manner.
Also, note that the stone does not erase karma; it reminds you to act, think, and feel in a manner that aligns with the planet’s higher energy. Do that consistently and, over time, the outer results - confidence, clarity, steadiness - start to manifest. Just don’t give all the credit to the ruby or the coral. They’re only mirrors, and the real transformation happens when you see yourself reflected and decide, day after day, to live up to that image.
P.S. I write on my learnings and experiences in Vedic Astrology, and my blog has been selected as the Top 15 Vedic Astrology Blogs on the web by Feedspot.
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