Navratna is the astrological combination of Ruby (Sun), Pearl (Moon), Red Coral
(Mars), Emerald (Mercury), Yellow Sapphire (Jupiter), Diamond (Venus), Blue Sapphire
(Saturn), Hessonite (Rahu), and Cat’s Eye (Ketu). The setting of Navratna or the
9 precious gems, in their proper sequence or placement in a ring or a pendant, is
prescribed in the Vedas, and can be worn by young and old alike to great benefit.
One can wear it even if one doesn’t have a horoscope, or without prior consultation.
Each gemstone is specific to a certain planet and imbibes the positive traits of
that planet.
Benefits of Nava-Ratna: Beneficial in diseases especially those caused by poisons.
The person wearing it will not suffer any ill fortune. It also helps remove obstacles
and protects against danger.
Precious Gemstones
Ruby (for Sun) - It gives name, fame, vigor, virtue, warmth and
the ability to command. It can raise an individual to a higher status than the one
in which he was born.
Pearl (for Moon) - A pear strengthens mental faculties, calms
the emotions and induces peace of mind. A pearl nose-ring and necklace worn by a
bride on her wedding ensures conjugal bliss.
Red Coral (for Mars) - Red Coral helps one become more courageous.
It is also recommended for blood diseases.
Emerald (for Mercury) - It helps improve memory, communication
and intuition. It is also useful in obtaining wealth.
Yellow Sapphire - It is worn to enhance one's financial status.
It also removes obstructions in finding a suitable match for a girl and improves
marriage prospects.
Diamond – This is worn to earn name, fame and wealth. It is also
said to improve sexual vigour.
Blue Sapphire (for Saturn) - It keeps evil forces at bay and helps
avoid misfortune. Sometimes, this stone reacts adversely, so it should be tested
for a week before it is set in a ring or pendant and worn. It also bestows
good health, wealth, and happiness and can help restore lost wealth and property.
Hessonite (for Rahu) - Rahu is said to create obstacles in the
fulfillment of ambitions and goals. This gemstone improves relations with people
and protects from sudden misfortune. It is said to be the best gem to avert stomach
ailments, and ward off disasters and evil spirits.
Cat's Eye (for Ketu) - This gem protects its wearer against enemies,
mysterious dangers and diseases. It also works like a talisman against accidents
of drowning, intoxication etc. It is also said to bring good fortune to gamblers.
Semi-Precious Gemstones
There are 84 kinds of gems. Of these, there are only 9 major or precious gems while
the rest are categorized as semi-precious gems. Some of the popular semi-precious
gems are:
Amber - This is not a gemstone but a fossil resin that is chiefly
red or yellow coloured. It is found generally along the coasts of England, China,
and Thailand, in the form of a gum or oily substance. Worn around the neck, it calms
and pacifies the mind and also protects against diseases of the throat. Its crystals
are beneficial in infectious diseases. One or two beads of Amber should be worn
around the neck by children.
Agate - An opaque gem, its beauty is seen only after it’s chiseled.
It comes in several colours. It is a suitable gem for farmers and other manual workers.
For removing malefic planetary effects, an agate should be worn as a necklet.
Amethyst - Its colour is purple and it is judged by its weight
and color saturation. Due to its excess of iron content, the person wearing it gains
spiritual powers. It suppresses negative emotions. It also helps a person abstain
from alcohol. In the western countries, women wear it to gain the love and respect
of their husbands.
Aquamarine – It is translucent, sky-blue in colour and belongs
to the family of emeralds. It has all the qualities of an emerald. It is useful
for those who go on a voyage. It has a calming influence worn as a necklace, armlet,
amulet or pendant.
Carnelian - It is found in red, brown and orange colours. If a
person feels feverish in the evening, a necklace or mala worn around the neck is
beneficial for it absorbs excessive body heat. It also restores the virtues of forbearance,
perseverance, and self- confidence.
Citrine - It is a transparent, yellow-coloured stone. It is worn
instead of Yellow Sapphire. According to gemologists, it increases one's fortunes.
According to the Egyptians and Romans, it was useful for those who were suffering
from weak eyesight or other eye afflictions. It also endears one to elders. It is
a symbol of friendship.
Garnet – This is a smooth and beautiful, crimson-coloured stone
and can be worn in place of a ruby. Fortune favours the person who wears a
garnet and blesses him with good health and strength. It is also beneficial for
rheumatism. It stops bleeding and helps prevent diseases caused by formation of
stones in the kidney, promotes vigor and vitality and acts as a stimulant.
Goldstone – It is reddish-brown in colour and has spots that shine
like gold. It is very delicate. Necklaces, figurines and shivalingas are made after
cutting and chiseling goldstone.
Green Jade - It is a substitute gem for emerald. It helps increase
the lifespan and, according to Chinese scholars, it sharpens the wit and has a cooling
effect on the eyes. Most gemologists believe it is also helpful in illnesses pertaining
to the heart, abdomen and kidneys.
Lodestone - It is a natural magnet stone, opaque, crimson-coloured,
and lustrous. Due to its magnetic property, it is useful in blood-related diseases
like rheumatism, arthritis etc. It also wards off the evil effects of Saturn.
Lapis Lazuli – Blue to bluish-black in colour, with golden spots
like those on the throat of a peacock's throat. It can be worn in place of
the Blue Sapphire to ward off the malefic effects of Saturn, Rahu and Ketu or overcome
any obstacles in life. It is useful in urinary problems, tuberculosis, jaundice,
diabetes and fatigue. It should always in a silver setting.
Malachite - Also known as Kidney stone, its colour is grayish-green.
It is worn to prevent rheumatism, abdominal and kidney dysfunctions. If there
are stones in the kidney, it is advised that the person should wear it in a ring
or tie it around the waist. The stones will usually pass out through the urine.
This fact is well tested and one could avoid undergoing surgery if proved effective.
Moon Stone – This is a milky-white, opaque stone. Its name denotes
that it has some association with the moon, and the moon is associated with the
mind. It is useful to wear when the mind is fickle or inconstant. Therefore, it
should be worn to stabilize and strengthen the mind. It improves the eyesight and
is also said to contribute to marital happiness.
Opal - Among all the gems, this one is the most beautiful and mysterious.
It is as smooth as honey and the lustre of various colours can be seen in it. It
helps increase one’s devotion to God. Therefore, it is most beneficial for yogis,
monks and priests. It can be worn instead of a Diamond.
Peridot - It is honey-coloured and has a smooth and shiny surface.
It is found mostly in Myanmar, Norway, Canada, Brazil, Argentine, Virginia (U.S.A)
and New Mexico. It can help fulfill the wish for begetting a son, or money and good
health. It is also useful in warding off black magic, evil spirits, epilepsy, etc.
Serpentine - It is light green in colour. In ancient times, it
was used to make utensils. Food was prepared and eaten in these utensils. Poisoned
food placed inside vessels made from serpentine was said to show up by changing
the colour of the vessel to yellow. It protects against ailments pertaining to the
abdomen.
Tourmaline - It consists of many substances and, simultaneously
represents three planets - Mercury, Venus and the Sun. It contains all the qualities
of their gems -Emerald, Diamond and Ruby. It can be worn by anyone and never has
a harmful effect. Children who are weak in studies or slow learners, must wear it.
Green or yellow tourmaline is effective in increasing knowledge and progress in
trade. White tourmaline is useful for those in the creative disciplines.
Turquoise - Its colour is sky-blue or greenish-blue. It contains
phosphorous, aluminum, copper, some water content and also shines after being polished.
Astrologically, it is related to Ketu. This gem is a must for those who go on adventurous
journeys or pilgrimages. Its colour changes according to the changes in seasons.
Since medieval times, it is believed that it destroys hatred and increases love.
Onyx - It is a smooth stone that is found in many colours. It
is a substitute for an Emerald. It is beneficial in neck cramps as well as backache.
It also helps in building a happy married life and cultivating purity of thought.
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