Gem Stones
Gomedhaka or Hessonite:
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.
Manik or 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.
Blue Sapphire or Indraneela:
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.
Yellow Sapphire or Pushparaga:
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.
Pearl or Mukta:
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.
Coral or Vidruma:
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.
Marakata or Emeralds:
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.
Cat's eye or Vaidurya:
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.
Diamond or Vajra:
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.