GEMOLOGY

BAPI SAHA 5/19/2011

Gemology - HYMNS OF MERCURY 1) OM BRAAM BREEM BRAUM SAH BUDDHAI NAMAH 2) OM HVAM HLEEM BUM GREHANAATH BUDDHAI NAMAH 3) OM BUDDHAI NAMAH Topaz: Topaz is the stone of Jupiter. Hence it should be worn on Thursday. On any Thursday at about 11 a.m. give a topaz-bearing ring a bath in Panchamrit or in raw milk and wash it in holy water of the Ganges. Put the ring then in the place of your worship and carry out usual worship rituals. Then pray Brihaspati and Lord Vishnu and wear the ring on the index finger of your right hand. Under some circumstances, it can be worn on the ring finger

also. Topaz must necessarily be worn in gold. If you cannot afford gold, you can opt for silver as well. If it is Pushya Nakshatra on Thursday, it will be extremely auspicious conjugation for wearing Topaz. Topaz remains effective for more than four years. HYMNS OF JUPITER (BRIHASPATI) 1) OM GRAM GREEM GRAUM SAH GURUVE NAMAH 2) OM AEM SHRI BRIHASPATYE NAMAH 3) OM BRIHASPATEY\GURUVE NAMAH Diamond: Diamond is the main stone from Navratna category. It's a stone of Venus. Hence it is worn on any Friday. Time of 11 a.m. on any Friday during the darker phase of the month is the most auspicious moment for wearing diamond. First of all, wash the diamond ring with Panchamrit or raw milk, then with holy Ganges water. Worship the ring properly thereafter and recite the hymn of Venus (Shukra) 16,000 or 108 times. Then praying and begging pardon for any shortcoming in the rituals wear the ring on the ring or middle finger of your right hand. Diamond is specially beneficial in silver ring. It can also be worn in platinum ring but never in gold or other metals. Diamond remains effective for about seven years. If diamond is worn during Bharani, Purva Phalguni or Purva Sharh Nakshatra, it gives extremely beneficial results. HYMNS OF VENUS 1) OM DRAM DREEM DRAUM SAH SHUKRAYA NAMAH 2) OM AEM JUM GEEM SHUKRAYA NAMAH 3) OM BRIGHU PUTRAYA NAMAH 4) OM SHUKRAYA NAMAH

Blue Sapphire: This is the stone of Saturn, hence it should be worn on Saturday. On any Saturday, during the darker phase at the time of 12 p.m. is the most auspicious for wearing blue sapphire. Wash the sapphire ring in Panchamrit or raw milk and then in holy water. Put it in the place of worship and carry out worship rituals properly. Recite the hymn of Saturn 23,000 or 108 times. Then praying and begging pardon for shortcomings committed, wear it on the middle finger of your right hand. Sapphire can be worn in gold, silver or steel but it is especially beneficial in an alloy of five metals. HYMNS OF SATURN 1) OM PRAM PREEM PRAUM SAH SHANAYE NAMAH 2) OM HREEM AEM SHRI SHANAISHCHARAY NAMAH 3) OM NEELAANJANAY NAMAH 4) OM SHANAYE NAMAH Gomed (Agate): This is the stone of Rahu. In astrology, Rahu is considered similar to Saturn in virtues, hence Agate is worn on any Saturday. Alternatively, it can also be worn on Wednesday or Friday. Time of 12 p.m. on any Saturday during the darker phase is considered as the most auspicious moment. Wash the ring in Panchamrit or raw milk and then in holy water and worship it properly. Thereafter, recite the hymn of Rahu 18,000 or 108 times. Praying and begging pardon then for any shortcomings committed, wear the ring on the middle finger of your right hand. Agate is specially beneficial in an alloy of five or eight metals. It can be worn in silver also. Agate remains effective for about three years. Swati, Shatabhisha or Aardra Nakshatras on Saturdays or

Wednesdays are considered specially auspicious for wearing Agate. HYMNS OF RAHU 1) OM BHRAAM BHREEM BHRAUM SAH RAHAVE NAMAH 2) OM KROM KREEM HUM HUM TUM TANK DHAARINE RAHAVE NAMAH 3) OM MAHA VEERYAY NAMAH 4) OM RAHAVE NAMAH Cat's eye: This inexpensive but extremely effective stone is worn to please Ketu. It can be worn on Wednesday, Friday or Saturday. On any of these days during the darker phase of a month, evening time is the most auspicious moment for wearing Cat's eye. Wash it in Panchamrit or raw milk and then in holy water and worship it properly. Recite the hymn of Ketu 17,000 or 108 times. Then with devotional feelings, wear it on the little finger of your right hand. Cat's eye is beneficial only if worn in silver or an alloy of five metals. It remains effective for about three years. If it is worn during Ashwini Magha or Moola Nakshatra cat's eye proves especially beneficial. HYMNS OF KETU 1) OM STRAAM STREEM STRAUM SAH KETUVE NAMAH 2) OM HREEM KREEM KROOM KRURRUPINYE KETUVE NAMAH 3) OM RAUDRA DEHAY NAMAH\OM KETUVE NAMAH SOME OTHER CONDITIONS TO WEAR GEMSTONES

1) If the position of Sun is in the ascendant house or in the second, third, fourth, seventh, eleventh or twelfth house, ruby must be worn. 2) If the position of Moon is in the ascendant house or in the sixth, eighth, twelfth or in the Scorpio, one should wear pearl. If Moon is positioned with Rahu and Ketu or is retrograde or in setting position one should necessarily wear pearl. 3) If Mars is positioned with Rahu, Ketu or Saturn in the ascendant house or in the third, fourth, seventh, twelfth house one should wear coral. If it is present in the sixth, twelfth or eighth house with Moon or Sun, one should wear coral.

4) If Mercury is in sixth, eighth or twelfth house or in the Pisces with Rahu, Ketu, Saturn and Mars or is seen by them one should wear emerald. 5) If Jupiter is present in fifth, sixth, eighth or twelfth house or in Aries, Taurus, Leo, Libra, Capricorn, Aquarius and Scorpio, one should at once wear topaz. 6) If Venus is present in sixth, eighth house or is retrograde, weak, or seen by some sinister planet, one should wear diamond. 7) If Saturn is present in fourth, fifth, tenth or twelfth house with Sun or in the Aries or is retrograde or weak, one should immediately wear sapphire. 8) If Rahu is present in the ascendant house or in the third, fourth, ninth, tenth, eleventh or twelfth house or in Sagittarius seen by Sun, one should wear Agate.

9) If Ketu is present in the ascendant house or in the third, fourth, ninth, tenth, eleventh or twelfth house or in Sagittarius in conjugation with Mars, Sun, Jupiter or Venus, one should wear cat's eye. Apart from these situations, stones of a particular planet are especially beneficial during Mahadasha\Antardasha period of that planet.

Gemology - GEMOLOGY : THE MYSTERY HIDDEN IN STONES

Our great sages and polymaths perfected the art and the science of astrology in ancient times. As such astrology has witnessed continuous development and proliferated into many branches and divisions, all of which are equal in importance. Gemmology or the scientific and ethnic study of gemstones is an important and integral part of applied astrology. It is so popular among the Indian public that no one is certain as to when it had actually come into practice. Use of precious gems and stones has been an ancient practice in India. Some people believe that it is one or two thousand years old science while others maintain that science and art of gemmology originated about five or ten thousand years ago. Scriptural evidences however show that concept of gemmology is as old as the creation itself. A very famous hymn says: SASHANKH CHAKRAM SAKIRIT KUNDALAM, SAPEET VASTRAM SARASI RUNEKSHANAM || SAHAR VAKSH STHAL KAUSTUBHASHRIYAM, NAMAMI VISHNUM SIRASA CHATURBHUJAM || Apart from many kinds of weapons, Lord Vishnu bears Kaustubha Mani (a gem named Kaustubh) on his chest. This gem is most dear to Him. This hymn shows that even

before the whole universe came into being, Lord Vishnu did have an existence and the gem Kaustubh also existed along with Him. During medieval period also, various scholars shed light on the science of gemmology. They authored many great scriptures as well. Acharya Varahmihir was the most prominent of those great scholars. A scripture Vrihat Samhita written by Varahmihir still has a wide recognition among the gemologists. It has a whole chapter, Ratnadhyay devoted to the comprehensive description of the gemstones. Among Puranas, Agnipurana contains exhaustive description about gemmology.

In modern era also, countless scholars are continuously working with dedication in the field of gemmology. Thank Practically, there is no basic difference between a gem and a jewel. The only difference is between their hues and the special effects because of them. Some experts say that jewels have brilliant hues than the gems. But many believe that gems and jewels belong to the same categories. But since the word jewel has achieved an independent existence, lets learn something more about it. ORIGIN OF JEWELS: Experts have a difference of opinion regarding the origin of jewels. Researchers tell that many kinds of jewels are manufactured within the body of living organisms from the various actions and reactions of their blood, marrow, flesh etc. Some of the jewels are produced in nature through the reactions and combinations of different chemical compounds. Still some jewels are obtained from specific vegetation, plants and rocks.

Like gems, jewels too can be classified into different categories according to their appearances, effects and the compounds present within them. But before going through their physical classification, lets be familiar with the classification of jewels as has been mentioned in Indian scriptures. Through the origin of jewels as given in Indian mythology appears more like fantasies in the present scientific age, but it may have some degree of truth. Besides, it is relevant here to learn about the origin of jewels as described in mythology for various reasons. Hymns and other descriptions of Indian religious scriptures are more cryptic in nature and need proper deciphering for who knows what is hidden in them. Gemmology is no exception in this context. According the great astrologer Varahmihir, jewels are of three kinds 1) Jewels of the sky or heaven. 2) Jewels of the earth. 3) Jewels of the nether world. Thus, in all the three worlds, superior gems are found and the excellent among them are known as jewels. According to mythology, jewels found in heaven are1) Kaustubh Mani. 2) Chinta Mani. 3) Syamantak Mani. 4) Rudra Mani. 1) Kaustubh Mani: It has a deep blue colour like a blue lotus and a radiance equal to the sun. It was obtained

during the churning of the sea. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Vishnu wears Kaustubh Mani in a garland on his chest. This is said to be a powerful jewel and bestows fortune, luxuries as well as invincibility on to its wearer besides extremely beautiful and imposing. 2) Chinta Mani: Name of this jewel is self-explicit. The wearer is freed from all the worries and fretting. It is white in colour and has a brilliant hue. It gives its wearer all kinds of wealth and comforts. 3) Syamantak Mani: It is a common belief that this jewel adorns the necklace of Lord Surya (the sun god). It is said to have a brilliant blue hue that instantaneously blinds the onlooker. If it is taken in darkness, it fills the ambience with day-like light. There is an interesting tale related to this jewel. In the Dwapar Yuga, Lord Surya had presented the Syamantak Mani to his devotee Prasanjit as he was pleased by his devotion. Prasanjit visited the court of Lord Krishna wearing the jewel. All the courtiers were amazed by the brilliance of this jewel and said to Prasanjit that he did not deserve the jewel, so he should present it to none other than Lord Krishna. But Prasanjit could present the jewel to Lord Krishna and stealthily left the court. Later on, Prasanjit went to the forests on a hunting excursion and was killed by a lion. The lion took the jewel with it but was killed by Jambvant, the ursine aid of Lord Rama. Jambvant took the jewel to his cave and gave it to his children. Back there in the kingdom, when Prasanjit did not return for many days, suspicious fingers began to point at Lord Krishna. So, Lord Krishna set out to search Prasanjit. Following the footmarks of Prasanjit, the lion and

Jambvant, Lord Krishna reached the den of Jambvant and saw Jambvant's children playing with the jewel. As soon as Lord Krishna took the jewel in this possession, Jambvant also arrived there and a fierce duel followed between them. At last Jambvant recognized Lord and presented Him with his daughter Jambvati and also the jewel. Thus recovering the jewel Syamantak, Lord Krishna returned to Dwarka and washed the blemish. It is believed now that Lord Krishna himself wears the jewel Syamantak. Rudra Mani: Nobody will be unaware of the bounty of Lord Shiva. His costumes as well as ornaments are strange. He wears only tiger's skin and formidable black snakes around his shoulder. The gods presented Lord Shiva with a jewel that came to be known as Rudra Mani. Lord Shiva threatened the jewel among the beads of His rosary. The jewel has a brilliant, golden hue and three stripes on it. Like Lord Shiva, the jewel Rudra Mani is also benevolent in virtues. Thus, according to Hindu mythology, only four jewels come in the category of heavenly jewels. Now, lets understand something about the jewels that belong to the nether world. Paatal of Hindu mythology is known by different names such as Nagaloka, Rasatala, Bhugarbh loka etc. According to mythology, the hell is inhabited not by humans but by great snakes as its name Naga loka shows. But different scholars interpret the word Naga differently. According to some Naga does mean snake. But others identify a specific caste of human race with the word Naga. According to them, such creeds are still present in different parts of the world. Bhils, Nagas of India and Eskimos of Greenland are prominent among these creeds. Many of them are well civilized while some are still in the

wild, barbarian stage. They also differ from one another in attires and food habits. Similarly humans and demons which existed long ago were in fact human creeds but were different in many aspects. It is said that the followers of Lord Manu became humans while the followers of Lord Danu developed as demons. Thus, though Naga was a human creed that inhabited the surface of the earth and has a distinct existence. But while discussing about the jewels of the nether worlds, Nagas are regarded as the inhabitants of the hell and Vasuki was their monarch. Some of the prominent and popular jewels of Naga Loka or are the following- Naga Mani: It is said that this jewel is present on the head of a snake. Its light shows the snake its way even in pitch darkness. When the snake senses some danger, it at once swallows the jewel. But it is said that all the snakes do not have this jewel. Only a few, privileged ones have it on their hoods. Naga Mani is said to be extremely expensive. If someone wishes to get it, he has to face lot of dangers. Thus, those who wish to possess Naga Mani first of all locate the right kind of snake that actually has the jewel. Then they chase the snake day and night continuously. Now, as soon as the snake puts the jewel out, it is covered with a blanket. Not seeing the light of the jewel, the snake naturally feels perplexed and in a way 'commits suicide' by beating its hood on the ground. But this whole venture is very risky. Only nine kinds of snakes are regarded as the wearer of this mysterious jewel called Naga Mani. It is said that the colour of the jewel exactly matches the colour of the snake and the jewel emits light of the same colour. These nine kinds of the snake are: 1) Black snake.

2) Blue snake. 3) Yellow snake. 4) Gray snake. 5) Red snake. 6) White snake. 7) Green snake. 8) Copper-coloured snake. 9) Milky snake. According to the scriptures all of these snakes wear jewels that exactly match their body colour. It is also a coincidence that the number of planets in the solar system is also nine. The colours of these planets more or less match with the colours of these jewels. That is why, the practice of wearing a jewel, whose colour exactly matches with that of the planet came into being. But these jewels (Naga Manis) are not easily available. That is why practice of wearing gems and stones in place of the jewels became popular. Now is the time to take a detailed look at the gems and jewels found on the earth. Though, not innumerable kinds of gems and jewels are found on earth but according to Puranas and other authentic sources following kinds of gems and jewels are prominent:1) Manikya (Ruby). 2) Moti (Pearl). 3) Mungaa (Coral). 4) Panna (Emerald).

5) Pukhraj (Yellow Sapphire). 6) Neelam (Blue Sapphire). 7) Heera (Diamond). 8) Gomed (Hassonite). 9) Lahsumiya (Cat's eye). 10) Phiroza (Turquoise). 11) Chandrakant (Moon stone). 12) Ghrit Mani. 13) Tail Mani. 14) Bheeshmak. 15) Upalak Mani. (Opal) 16) Sphatic Mani. (Rock Crystal) 17) Paras Mani. 18) Ulook Mani. 19) Larvart. (Lapis Mani) 20) Masar Mani. 21) Ishiv. Lets first understand the scriptural basis of classification of the gems and jewels. According to Vishnu Purana and Shrimad Bhagwat Mahapurana, Bali, the grandson of Prahlad was a great king of the demons. With a resolution of dethroning Indra as the king of heaven, Bali organized a hundred Ashwamedha Yagyas. On the appeal of Indra, Lord Vishnu decided to stop the hundredth Ashwamedha Yagya of Bali

and arrived there in the guise of Vamana (a dwarf Brahmin) and begged him to donate land measuring three steps. In two steps, Lord measures entire earth and heaven. Since there was not room then to put the third step, Bali offered his head for the Lord to put his third step. Thus, Lord Vishnu sent Bali direct to the hell. But with the touch of the Lord's foot, Bali's body converted into gems and stones. Then, according to another version of the lore, a fierce battle followed between Lord Vishnu and Bali. During the battle, Lord Vishnu broke Bali's body into pieces. Thus different pieces of Bali's body fell at different places and took the shape of gems and jewels. Thus, origin of different gems and jewels is as follows: Ruby: It originated from the blood drops of Bali, hence it has red or pink colour. Pearl: It is believed to have originated from the mind of Bali. Coral: That part of Bali's blood which flowed down to the sea formed the coral. Yellow Sapphire: It originated from the flesh of Bali. Blue Sapphire: It originated from the eyes of the demon King Bali. Diamond: It originated from the pieces of Bali's brain. Hassonite: This gem originated from the fat of the demon king. Cat's Eye: This jewel originated from the Yagyopavit (sacred thread) of Bali.

Turquoise: It originated from the nervous system of the demon king Bali. Moonstone: It originated from the radiance of the eye's pupils. Ghrit Mani: This jewel originated from the pieces of the waist. Tail Mani: Skin of the king Bali formed this jewel. Bheeshmak: This gem was produced from the head pieces of Bali. Upalak Mani: Cough or phlegm of Bali produced this jewel. Sphatik Mani (Rock Crystal): This jewel was formed from the sweat of Bali. Paras Mani: Pieces of Bali's heart formed Paras Mani. Ulook Mani: This jewel was formed from the pieces of Bali's tongue. Lapis Lazuli: Bali's hair formed this jewel. Masar Mani: This jewel was produced from the faeces of Bali. Ishiv Mani: This jewel is believed to have from the semen of King Bali. Thus in all, eighty four different parts and constituents of the demon king Bali. Of them, only twenty-one are described as gems or jewels due to peculiar brilliance they possess. Of these twenty-one gems, only nine are most famous for their radiance and are hence known as Navaratna.

Thus, there are nine main gems or jewels, twelve common gems and sixty-three ordinary gems which are also known

as sub-gems.

1) Friction 2) Heat 3) Pressure 1) Electricity produced by friction or Frictional Electricity: When a gemstone is rubbed with a cotton or woolen cloth, some electric charge is produced in the gem. In some stones the charge is so intense that it can even burn the cloth that causes it to appear. Diamond is such a stone that produces intense electric charge on rubbing. Besides diamond, topaz, Shobha Mani, Trinakant Mani etc are some other jewels that produce intense electric charge.

2) Thermal Electricity: Heating a gemstone also produces some electric charge in it. But there is a threshold limit below which heating does not produce any charge in the stone. Rock crystal is the prominent gemstone that produces intense charge upon heating. 3) Piezo Electricity or charge due to pressure: If a certain amount of pressure is applied on a crystal, it begins to act like a battery cell and produces electric charge. With the removal of pressure, the crystal regains its original state. Rock crystal is again an efficient gemstone to produce electric charge under pressure. Alexandrite: It is an extremely beautiful gem and like Opal it is also very sensitive to light. It glows like a rainbow of colours. Hence it is also known as colour changing stone. It is found in Sri Lanka and Africa. Mostly, Alexandrites with deep indigo colour are available with the jewellers. It is regarded as a potential substitute for blue sapphire. Katiala: It belongs to crystal category and is found in deep and light voilet colours. In common parlance and the jewellers terms it is called as Jamuniya (amethyst). It is used as a substitute for blue sapphire. It is mostly found in Hampshire (England), Germany, Iran, Balkan countries, Madagascar, Mexico and some parts of India. It also changes its colour when heated in fire. Kaharava: It is mostly found in brown colour. It is opaque like amber. Kaharava is also a fossilized resin of pine that has metamorphosed into stone. It may be found in many colours like yellow, blue, white, red and green. It has a sweet, camphor-like smell. Due to its property to attract grass, paper etc. when charged, Kaharava is also known as Trinakant Mani or Trinakarsh. It is mostly found in Thailand, Romania, Myanmar, Brazil and some parts of

India. Madagascar and Peru are the regions where Kaharava is found aplenty. But it has more medicinal uses than astrological. Kasoti (Touch stone): Jewellers use this stone to test the purity of gold. It is mostly used in making crockery, utensils and mortar etc. Calamine: Some crafty jewellers sell it as a substitute for blue sapphire but in fact it cannot replace blue sapphire. It is known as black star and presents a complete rainbow of colours in flood light. Kurund: This stone is found in many colours like violet, brown, blue, white, green, red, black and pink. It is mostly used to make the grinding stone that the jewellers use to scourge gemstones. It is mostly found in Thailand, lower regions of Russia, Myanmar, Srilanka, Canada, Australia and India. Kakarnili: Due to its deep blue colour, many astrologers prescribe it as a substitute for blue sapphire. It is indeed effective but not as much as blue sapphire. But there is no guarantee that you get genuine Kakarnili in the market because most jewellers sell synthetic stone instead. Kakarnili is mostly found in Kashmir. Kudaratta: It is black stone that has mote decorative uses than astrological ones. It is cheaper and appears attractive due to yellow-black spots on it. Khara: It is an ordinary stone available in black colour. It radiates green light. It is also mostly used in medicines. Agate: It belongs to the Navaratna category of the gemstones. It is mostly used to please the shadow planet Rahu. It is known as Gomed in Hindi, Gomed Mani, Gomedak, Tapo Mani, Peet Mani, Peet Sphatic in Sanskrit.

In Arabian and Persian it is known as Zargun, Hazarya Mani, Siduri etc. In Marathi it is known as 'Gomed Mani'. In colloquial terms, it is called zircon, but it is a misnomer. Even in common English its often referred to as Zircon. But the correct term for it is Hassonite or Agate. A transparent Agate is regarded as the best. But it is available in many colours: black, reddish brown, red, orange and occasionally green. Despite being cheap, it is an extremely effective gemstone. It is found in the Orissa province of India besides Myanmar, China, Arab, Florida, South Africa and Sri Lanka. Best Agates come from Sri Lanka. Agate is prescribed by the astrologers for the people to get rid of many kinds of problems. It has profound effect on the diseases also. But one should imperatively get his horoscope scrutinized by an able astrologer. Moonstone: It is an inexpensive stone. It resembles with the teeth of a cow in appearance. It is prescribed as a substitute for pearl. It is found in small bits in Myanmar, India, North America and Sri Lanka. It is also found in Brazil and Switzerland. Gauri: It is brown or green coloured stone that belongs to Akeek category. Streaks of many colours are present on it. Hence it is also known as rainbow stone. It gives mental peace besides riches and repute. It can be worn on any auspicious day. Gudari: It is a cheap, ordinary stone mostly worn by the ascetics, Muslims etc. specially wear big Gudari. It is found in red, yellow and slaty colours. Great Indian mathematician and astrologer of the yore, Varahmihir has written profusely about the gemstones in his famous treatize Vrihatsamhita.

Thus, only twenty-two gemstones have been described in Vrihatsamhita. You may ask: Why? It can only be said about it that during the period of Varahmihir only these twenty-two gemstones could have been in fashion. OPAQUE GEMSTONES Many elemental impurities that are present in the crystal lattice of a gemstone not only increases its density but also makes it opaque to light. Though presence of these impurities does not affect the utility of the stone. Akik and Phiroza (turquoise) are the famous example of opaque gemstones. These two stones are regarded particularly miraculous. TRANSLUCENT GEMSTONES These fall between the transparent and opaque categories. Many important gemstones come under the category of translucent stones. These stones are not as clear as the transparent stones nor as filthy as the opaque ones. Hence, the translucent gemstones can aptly be described as dim gemstones.

Regardless of the category, gemstones have more importance than the ordinary stones and are hence more in demand despite their high value. To be valuable a gemstone should fulfill some conditions like smoothness, better cut, brilliance etc. Apart from these hardness is another condition that a gemstone should comply to be designated as a jewel. Gemstones are invariably harder than the ordinary stones. HARDNESS OF THE GEMSTONES Composition of the chemical compounds, their mixture, relative density, crystal lattice etc. together determine the hardness of a gemstone. Since the chemical composition varies from stones to stones hence each and every gemstone has its unique hardness which commonly does not match with that of the other. Hardness is the main property of a gemstone. Diamond is the hardest gemstone. In fact, it is the hardest substance in the world. Besides it, emerald, blue and yellow sapphires and ruby are also hard. Coral is also hard but interestingly it is not a true stone. It is in fact a fossil and organic in origin.

Next to hardness it is specific density that differentiates one gemstone from another.

Tiger's Eye: It is a yellow stone that closely resembles the eye of a tiger. It is also known as cat's eye and proves specially beneficial for the fearful people. Magnet: This term conjures up a figure of metallic magnet. But here we are talking about a stone and not about a metal. The stone does have some magnetic properties and is beneficial in correcting bodily disorders caused by wind. It is said that this stone is particularly present in huge quantities in certain regions like Bermuda Triangle and causes Shipwrecks and plane accidents there. Jaje Mani: The same stone is called as Yaje Mani. It is actually an Akeek with prominent streaks. Its surface is commonly brown, yellow or white, black or brown streaks. It is mostly found on the banks of Narmada and Indus. It has miraculous virtues. Jahar Mohara (Soap stone): This yellow coloured stone has green radiance. It is mostly used to make utensils. It is a

strange kind of stone that destroys the effects of poison. It is found in Tibet, India and Iran. Jarahat (Milk stone): It is an ordinary stone not commonly used for astrological purposes. It is mostly used in cosmetics and to make utensils and idols. It has a peculiar smoothness. Many experts do not regard it as a true gemstone. Peridot: This parrot-green coloured stone is prescribed as a substitute for emerald. It is found in Norway, Arizona (USA), Mexico, Myanmar and the island of St. John. Jharana (Fountain): It is a pastel coloured stone not frequently used for astrological purposes. Water kept in the utensil made of Jharana doe not stay in it but finds a way out and seeps out. Thedi: It is also an ordinary stone, black in colour and mostly used in making utensils. Dur: It is a strong, smooth stone mostly used in utensil making due to its high density and opaque appearance. Garnet: It is mostly used as a substitute for ruby. It is bright red or pink in colour. In Sanskrit it is known as 'Tamra Mani'. Tursava: This pink coloured stone is mostly used in making utensils. Tourmaline: This semi-stone is available in many colours, but white tourmaline is most common and used as a substitute for diamond though it has less density than diamond.

Kidney stone: Mostly found in green colour and resembles pistachio. It is highly beneficial in the diseases of kidney and urinary bladder. Hence it is known as kidney stone. Dur-E-Nazaf: It is an ordinary stone available in raw paddy-like green colour. It is mostly used in toy making. Darchana: This stone is mostly found in pastel, almond or slaty colours. Inside it, there appears a grain like structure and that is why, perhaps it is known as Darchana. It is an inexpensive stone. Dantala: It is an inexpensive, ordinary stone mostly available in white or light yellow shades. It has no astrological use. Sardonyx: This brown stone appears to have a dual structure. It has white or brown streaks on the surface. Smoky Quartz: This transparent stone is mostly available in smoky colours besides black, yellow and brown. It is mostly found in Switzerland and North Carolina (USA) and is mostly used in making idols, toys and goggles. Spinel Ruby: This stone is mostly found in pink colour though shades like green, yellow, orange, blue and violet are also common. It is used as a substitute for ruby. It is found in Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Brazil, USA and India. Blue Sapphire: This highly famous stone is composed of aluminum oxide. It is regarded as the most respected as well as the most dangerous stone. Its positive as well as negative effects are manifested from within hours to days. Though found in many countries like USA, Java, Thailand, Australia, Sri Lanka etc. but the sapphire found in Kashmir province of India is the most beautiful and expensive. Sapphire is often compared with notorious anti-biotic

penicillin because of its accelerated effects. In Sanskrit it is known as Neel Mani, Indraneel Mani, in Urdu it is known as Yakoob, Kabood. Blue Sapphire is one of the Navratna. Emerald: This green coloured stone is used to please mercury. It is bright, transparent stone with brilliant green colour and is very expensive. The best grade of emerald comes from South American countries, Columbia and Brazil. Panghat: This translucent stone is found in white, black and green colours. It appears to contain water inside it and hence looks very attractive. It is mostly used in making ornaments and toys. Blood stone: This opaque, green stone has a number of small red dots on it hence its named as blood stone. It is found in India and Siberian region of Russia. Sang-e-panni: This green coloured stone is a potential substitute for emerald. It is available both in transparent and opaque forms and is used in making utensils also. Pukhraj (Topaz or Yellow Sapphire): This rare, beautiful and expensive jewel is one of the Navratna. The best type of topaz has a brilliant yellow colour like the flowers of mustard or amaltas (Cassia fistula) and is transparent. This stone is worn to please Jupiter. In Sanskrit, topaz is known as Pushparaj, Pushparag, Peet Mani; in Gujarati it is known as Peeluraj. In Arabic and Persian it is Jard Yakoot and Asper. Rock Crystal: This white coloured hard, transparent stone is universally available and appears like an ice crystal. It is used as a substitute for the pearl and the diamond and is worn for an increment in fortune and knowledge.

Aquamarine: This transparent stone is available in blue and green colours. People who undertake frequent voyages mostly wear it for good fortune. And indeed aquamarine is believed to enhance fortune. Baansi: This opaque and soft stone has a colour like under-sea vegetation. It is mostly used in making utensils.

Marble: Hardly anybody will be unaware of this famous stone. White marble is mostly used in the construction of buildings and statues. Besides white, marble is available in slaty, green and black colours also. Marium: This stone also resembles marble closely and is used in the manufacture of household items. Flint stone: This seemingly ordinary stone had sustained human life in primitive era when people used this stone to make fire. In Sanskrit it is known as 'Agni Paashaan'. Rubbing of brown, black or pastel flint stones produces sparks. Margaz: This stone is regarded as a potential substitute for emerald because of its bright green colour. It is also available in violet, white and black shades. Margaz is found aplenty in Tibet, Greece, Myanmar, Siberia and New Zealand. Ruby: This jewel also belongs to Navratna category. This highly expensive and transparent stone is available in red and pink colours. It is the main stone of the sun. Though found in many countries like Thailand, Sri Lanka and China but the best type of rubies come from Myanmar. In Sanskrit ruby is known as Padmaraag and Kuruvind while in Urdu it is Surkh Yakoot. .

Jet: This black coloured smooth and shining stone has both astrological as well as construction uses. Often, this stone is also called as black marble. Coral: Coral is infact fossilized rocks formed from the sedimentation of dead tiny organisms named coral. It is mostly red in colour though white and pink corals are also common. The best type of coral comes from Italy. In Sanskrit. Coral is known as 'Pravaal', 'Vidram', 'Angaarak Mani'. In Urdu, it is known as 'Mirjaan' or 'Marjaan'. Muve Nazaf: This ordinary and opaque stone has omnipresence and is mostly used in the construction of buildings. It is white in colour with distinct streaks. It is mostly used in making the floor of houses. Pearl: Pearls also have an organic origin counted among stones because of their miraculous properties. Now a days culturing of pearls is a popular business. Pearl is worn to please the moon and correct mental disturbances and abdominal diseases. Mostly pearls are in white in colour though shades of yellow, blue, black and pink are also common. Excellent pearls come from Basra, a traditional centre of pearl trade in Iraq. In Sanskrit, pearl is known as Muktak, Muktaa, Mauktik while in Arabian and Urdu it is known as Gauhar. Mritangaar: It is a solid isotrophe of carbon that begins to glow like fire when rubbed or polished and appears like cinder. Jasper: This opaque stone is available in red, blue, white, yellow and green colours. It is mostly found in Myanmar, Egypt, Iran, China and North America.

Jew stone: This stone has more medicinal than astrological uses. It is effective in the treatment of respiratory disorders, asthama and renal diseases. Carnelian: This red coloured stone is mostly used in the treatment of fevers. Romani: This is a red coloured ordinary stone mostly used in making utensils. Cat's eye: This stone is available in white, brown, black and green colours and appears like the eyes of a cat. This also belongs to Navratna category and is worn to please the shadow planet Ketu. It has distinct streaks known as cosmic threads that appear to move when the stone is seen from different angles in flood light. In Sanskrit it is known as Vadurya Mani and Vidalaaksh while in Gujarati it is Lassuniyo and in Bangla it is known as Sutra Mani. Lapis Lazuli: This blue coloured, transparent stone has brilliant golden spots on it. In ancient times Lapis Lazuli was regarded as Sapphire. Even today it is used as a potential substitute for the true Sapphire. It is mostly found in Afghanistan, Chile and Siberia. Spinel: This pink stone is powerful substitute for ruby. Occasionally it is found in black, green and white shades also. It is mostly mined in Brazil, Myanmar, India and Australia. Ludhia: This red coloured opaque stone is universally available and is used in construction purposes mostly. It is mainly quarried near Chitrakoot on the border of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. Seezari: Being green in colour, this stone is used as a substitute for emerald.

Twinkling stone: Known as Sang-E-Sitara in Persian, this ochre colour stone has a number of twinkling dots. But you can hardly find a genuine twinkle stone in the market and as long as it is not genuine it cannot produce its effects. Sangi: This beautiful stone is available in almost all colours. And mostly found in the rivers of Himalayas. It is mostly used to make decorative items and utensils. Sargahi: Naturally this stone is found in triangular shape and white and brown colours carried mostly in the Persian Gulf. Simac: This white spotted and dull stone is mostly used in making mortars and tumblers. Singli: This opaque stone is available in red and pink colours and regarded as a substitute for ruby. Mostly quarried in Mysore region of Karnataka. Vermilion stone: Though ordinary in appearance this stone has tremendous astrological importance. It is mostly available in pink colour. Citrine: This transparent, lime coloured stone is regarded as a substitute for topaz. Often known as golden quartz, this stone sometimes appears more beautiful than true topaz. Gold fly: This white coloured stone has a tinge of red and is used more as medicine than for pleasing the planets. Sun stone: This strange stone is available in orange, red and yellow colours and appears like a cinder. In Sanskrit it is known as Angar Mani in Persian as Sand-e-atash. It is mostly found in Norway and Siberia.

Cibar: This opaque stone belongs to the jewel category. Available in green, this stone has almond-coloured streaks. Hawas: This ordinary stone is available in golden colours. Halan Larza: This pink stone has strange brilliance. When moved in flood-light waves appear to rise in this stone. Diamond: Hardly anybody will be unaware of this famous jewel. This brilliant, attractive and transparent stone has white, blue and reddish hues. It has miraculous. Latent powers which are both constructive as well as destructive. It is the hardest substance known to man. It is a precious stone very dear to Venus. Hazarat-e-Ud: This oridnary, unattractive stone is mostly used as medicine to treat urinary disorders. Hadeed: This inexpensive, ordinary stone is universally available in slaty and pastel colours. It is mostly used in making the rosaries. Philosopher's stone: Real existence of this stone is doubtful except in folklore. Hence, describing its physical properties is very difficult job. It is a common belief that any metal can be turned into gold by a mere touch of philosopher's stone.

Gemology - SCIENTIFIC BASIS OF WEARING GEMSTONES

Questions related to importance of gemstones and their effects on the well being of the wearers have always stirred the thoughts of human beings. Does the wearing of gemstones have any scientific basis or is it mere superstition? There are great confusions prevalent in the world regarding many topics. Existence of ghosts, dead ancestors, influence of planets on human life and wearing of stones to do away with the fears of ghosts or adverse influence of the planets are some of the topics about which confusion reigns supreme. Of these topics, wearing of stones perhaps has the maximum confusion for it is

directly related to increase in fortune. In the present materialistic society, everybody wants to reap maximum profits in minimum labour. Hence people are inspired to wear stones. But at this juncture, their ignorant but logical conscience puts a question: "Is it really fruitful to wear stones?" Most of them then begin to believe that stones and confusions related to them are means of livelihood for the astrologers and jewellers. If everything is possible by wearing a simple stone what is the use of action then, they ask. Gemmology is an important part of astrology and it has never been mentioned in it that one, who wants good fortune, should give up his efforts and come to depend upon the fortune entirely. In fact, both fate and action are two sides of the same coin and have their own importance. Neither of them is complete alone. Only working together action and fate can give synergic results. If only action were enough everybody, who works hard eight or ten hours a day, would be a millionaire. In reality, we see that most of the rich people do not work so hard; but they skilfully make the others to work for them. On the other hand, it is also seen that poor people or labourers work very hard from dawn to dusk but could earn their daily bread only with difficulty. Miraculous change is, however seen in the position of such poor people when they consult learned astrologers and begin to wear gem or stones prescribed by them. As soon as they wear stones, their fate takes the lead and raises them to the great heights wealthwise. There are also known incidents when some beggar finds a stone in the path and becomes the lord of many palace-like houses and inassessible wealth. Often some official who deserves promotion does not get it for many unknown reasons. Then he/she consults a gemologist. Gemologist prescribes him/her to wear a particular stone and the official makes

unprecedented progress since then. Isn't it a miracle? There are scores of incidents to corroborate the miraculous property of gemstones, hence wearing of the stones cannot be rejected as mere superstition. Stones do have a capacity to remove the hurdles caused by faulty positioning of planets in one's horoscope. Negative influence of the gemstones also support their miraculous properties. Often a rich and well to do person wears just any stone out of curiosity or suggested by an imposter astrologer. Since the very moment such a person wears a stone, his fortune begins to wane. He loses his wealth and lives in a beggar like condition or faces other kinds of problems. Still some people may reject such incidents as mere coincidences. But when the sufferer removes the stone, he begins to regain his fortune. Thus on the basis of these and other related incidents, we can say that wearing of stones is not a superstition only. Besides unless and until you have tested a theory yourself, you should not reject it on the basis of rumours only.

HOW DO THE GEMSTONES EXERT THEIR EFFECTS? We have so far clarified that every gemstone has some kind of miraculous powers which is often referred to as divine powers. According to its colour, every gem represents a planet of the matching colour. As for example, Venus has white colour hence it is represented by diamond. Red or pink ruby similarly represents the sun and yellow sapphire represents Jupiter. Every gemstone has the power to draw energy or beams from its respective planet and channelise it into the wearer's body. This property of a gemstone is helpful in exerting its influence in miraculous ways.

Each gem of the Navratna category represents a planet of the solar system. When we wish to enjoy the favourable effects of a particular planet, we wear the stone representing that planet on our fingers, neck or arm. It is also important here to know that stone of a particular planet must be worn on the finger that represents it. In astrology, every finger is believed to represent a particular planet viz. Thumb represents Venus, index finger represents Jupiter, middle finger represents Saturn, ring finger represents the sun and little finger represents Mercury. Suppose a particular planet is not strong enough in the horoscope of a person and a person was hence suggested to wear the stone that represents that planet. The stone draws positive energy from the planet and channelises it into the body of the wearer. The planet, since then, begins to bestow its good effect on the person who then climbs the ladder of success quickly, reaps great benefits and enjoys good food. Now even if the person doesn't make fervent efforts, the luck still gives him strong support. Effects of the stones can be compared with the way modern medicine employs to remove the deficiency of vitamins in body. As for example green vegetables are prescribed to remove the deficiency of vitamin A and iron and basking is suggested to correct the disturbances in the level of vitamin D. Similarly stones are suggested to remove the deficiencies in the influence of particular planet. People blinded by the dazzles of modernity do not reject the prescription of modern medicine. In fact they cannot do so. Thus, they have no moral right to reject the science that had helped since millenia, millions of people to live a healthy life and reap good fortune especially when they

have not tested the validity of it themselves. It is possible that such people or their relatives might have worn some stone and did not receive expected results. Such cases are exceptional but not truth entirely. If you have worn a wrong stone at a wrong time for a wrong planet and could not get expected results or suffered adversely, you are prone to reject whole science of gemmology as mere superstition. But such petty instances are not enough to prove the whole science of gemmology wrong. Often people fail to get real gemstones or they get underweight gemstones which do not exert full influence. Such cases also cause suspicion to arise in people's mind.

You might have seen yourself that often after receiving treatment, condition of a patient continues to deteriorate. Sometimes, the patient dies despite receiving so called best treatment. Most of us blame fate for the patient's death. But think a little bit deeply and you will find many more reasons for death: failure of a doctor to diagnose the disease correctly, unavailability of the medicines prescribed by the doctor or if the medicines were available, these were not taken properly by the patient. For such happenings, nobody tries to prove the doctor or the whole medical science wrong because from the same medicines, millions of people get rid of the disease and regain their strength. In support of the gemmology, there are many more instances in nature that can compel these ignorant people to change their opinion about the use and influence of the gemstones. It is a common experience that sea water remains calm during the day time but since evening high tides begin to appear in it and in full moon night these tides rise very high. Science says that it is the

gravitational pull of the moon that causes these high tides to appear in the sea on full moon nights. In fact, gravitational pull of the moon is so strong that it draws even solid land surface up to one or two metres high. Then there are people of lunatic nature whose mental derangement is at peak on the full moon nights. During the darker phase of the month, such people usually remain calm and peaceful. But as the full moon day approaches, such people lose control on the mind and become short tempered and violent. Ups and downs of mental condition of the lunatics continue in cycle according to the motion of the moon. Scientists here again blame the gravitational pull of the moon for the mental condition of the lunatics. There are many more reasons behind the gemstones being effective to channelise the influence of a particular planet. Each of the nine planets represents many fields of activity, things and human conditions as well as diseases. Suppose a person is suffering from a disease which is proving incurable even to the best of the treatments. The person ultimately consults his astrologer. The astrologer studies the horoscope of the patient and finds out the planet responsible for the disease and prescribes him a particular gemstone. The patient follows the advice and wears the gemstone and his disease miraculously disappears within a few days.

Now the question arises as to under which circumstances a gemstone should be worn and why? Gemstones are so beautiful, so attractive that rich people begin to wear them just to show their wealth or just for the sake of hobby. This is totally different condition because hobby is invaluable and there is no prohibition on the ways to pursue one's hobbies. But ordinary people cannot squander money on mindless purchase of gemstones. They have to be very selective in the choice of gemstones. They should purchase only those gemstones that are prescribed by a learned gemologist. Only a learned astrologer can diagnose the necessity of a particular gemstone. Usually, a person requires to wear a particular gemstone when in his horoscope, some planet is suffering from the influence of some sinister planet or some particular provision is weak in the horoscope. Astrologers also caution that no gemstone should be

taken for granted and worn just for fun or as a decorative piece. Such practice could lead to disastrous consequences. This condition is similar to cautious intake of medicines: when you take medicines without any reason, it may cause serious harm to you instead of benefiting you. Gemstones are nothing but medicines prescribed to correct the adverse influences of the planets. IN WHICH CIRCUMSTANCES GEMSTONE SHOULD NOT BE WORN ? When your astrologer forbids you from wearing a stone, you should follow his advice by all means. Secondly, if you are not having full faith in the gems and their powers, you should not go for them. This point is more psychological than astrological. We are all aware of the positive and negative thoughts and their consequences. Any of these two types of thoughts, when developed beyond a certain limit, comes to dominate the life of a person. If a person has more negative thoughts, his whole outlook for life becomes highly pessimistic. Such a condition is recognised as a mental disorder described as 'inferiority complex'. Similarly, if your whole thinking about the gemstones and their influence is negative and still you decide to wear the gemstone, the probability is that it will manifest more negative influences than positive. It is therefore highly imperative to cultivate positive attitude for the gemstones before deciding to wear one. DWIJW, TIRTHE, MANTRE, AUSHADHE, BHESHAJE GURAU | YADRISHI BHAWANA YASYA TADRISHI PHALAM LABHET || That means, pilgrimage, Brahmin, mantra, gemstones, medicines and teacher give the same result as one has feelings about them.

Thirdly, if you are unable to get pure gemstone of the correct weight as prescribed by your astrologer, you should not go for just any substitute for the right kind of gemstone and avoid the trap of jewellers. Such a faulty substitute may cause serious harm no matter how beautiful and attractive it might appear. Besides, if a particular gemstone is specially forbidden for you, you should not wear it in any circumstance because such a gemstone may prove lethal for you. This fact particularly applies to diamond and blue sapphire. These two stones are particularly notorious for ruining the life of even a person of kingly status. DIFFERENT BASIS OF WEARING GEMSTONE Three questions are naturally linked with everything we do : Why? When? And How? These questions also arise in the case of gemstones. We have already discussed about the first two questions. Let us now consider the third question How? How should a gemstone be worn? There is no single basis for wearing a gemstone. According to their experience and knowledge, experts express different opinions regarding wearing of stones. In different communities, there are different religious reasons for wearing the stones. Our learned sages and savants have proposed different provisions to wear a particular gemstone. Many of these provisions are universally accepted and there is no difference of opinion about them. Astrologers and experts from ancient as well as modern ages seem to have similar opinions about these provisions.

WEARING OF A STONE AS PER THE ASCENDANT HOUSE

Deep scrutiny of your horoscope may reveal more than one reason why you should wear a gemstone. But the most important and fool-proof reason is the position of ascendant house in your horoscope and position of its ruling planet. If the ruling planet of the ascendant house is in a weak position, the whole horoscope can be safely designated as weak. In such a horoscope, other planets too cannot show their full influence no matter how powerful they are. The most important logic behind this provision is that, the ascendant house is the most important factor in one's horoscope. It actually represents the soul of the person in question. Its position is akin to that of heart. If the heart is weak, the whole body suffers from many kinds of ailments and other parts appear quite helpless. If the ascendant house is weak in a horoscope, wearing of gemstones are related to planets other than the ruler of the ascendant house proves fruitless. All the experts therefore unanimously opine in favour of a strong ascendant house even if reaping of benefits from other well placed planets is desirable. Almost all the astrologers therefore suggest to wear the stone that is related to the ruling planet of the ascendant house. Let us see now which gem is related to which of the ascendant houses. In a horoscope, there are twelve houses that represent all the twelve zodiac signs. In the horoscope given here, fifth house is ascendant. It represents the zodiac sign Leo. In other words, in the given horoscope, Leo is the ascendant house. Sun is the lord of this house. We have already discussed that ruby is the stone for the Sun. Hence, the person who has Leo as his ascendant house in his horoscope must wear ruby.

Similarly, people with ascendant house Aries should wear coral, those with ascendant house Taurus should wear diamond, those with Gemini must wear emerald, those with Cancer must wear pearl, those with Leo should wear ruby, those with Virgo should wear emerald, those with Libra must wear diamond, those with Scorpio must wear coral, those with Sagittarius must wear topaz, those with Capricorn and Aquarius must wear blue sapphire and people with ascendant house Pisces must wear topaz. Ascendant house Aries: Mars is the ruling planet of this house. It will be beneficial for the people with Aries as the ascendant house to wear coral but such people may also wear ruby, pearl or topaz and reap rich benefits. Such people may also go for the following combinations of the gemstones: coral, pearl and ruby; coral, ruby and topaz or coral, topaz and pearl. These combinations prove extremely beneficial for such people. Ascendant house Taurus: Venus is the ruling planet of this house. It will be beneficial for the people with Taurus as their ascendant house to wear diamond. But such people may also wear blue sapphire for Saturn and emerald for Mercury. They may also go for the various combinations of these gemstones. Ascendant house Gemini: Mercury is the ruling planet of this house. Hence the people who have Gemini as the ascendant house must wear emerald. They may also wear diamond or both of the gems together. Ascendant house Cancer: Moon is the lord of this house. Hence the people with Cancer as the ascendant house must wear pearl. They may also wear coral. In the opinion of some experts, such people may also wear ruby and topaz.

Ascendant house Leo: Sun is the lord of this house. Hence, the people with Leo as the ascendant house must wear ruby. Besides it, they may also wear coral, pearl and topaz as well either alone or in combination. However, among these stones, coral will yield highest benefit while pearl and topaz may exert somewhat weaker influence. Ascendant house Virgo: Mercury is the ruling planet of this house. Hence the people with Virgo as ascendant house must wear emerald. Some experts however believe that such people may also be benefited from pearl. Ascendant house Libra: Venus is the ruling planet of this house. Hence the people with Libra as the ascendant house must wear diamond. Apart from it, they may also wear and reap benefits from blue sapphire and emerald. Ascendant house Scorpio: Mars is the ruling planet of this house. Hence the people with Scorpio as the ascendant house must wear coral. They may also wear ruby, pearl and topaz. Ascendant house Sagittarius: Jupiter is the ruling planet of this house. Hence the people with Sagittarius as the ascendant house must wear topaz. They may also wear ruby because the position of sun in their horoscope is usually strong. Ascendant house Capricorn: Saturn is the ruling planet of this house. Hence the people with Capricorn as the ascendant house must wear blue sapphire. They may also wear diamond and pearl, if the position of moon is strong in their horoscope. Ascendant house Aquarius: Saturn is the ruling planet of this house. Hence the people with Aquarius as the

ascendant house must wear blue sapphire. They may also wear diamond. Ascendant house Pisces: Jupiter is the ruling planet of this house. Hence the people with Pisces as the ascendant house must wear topaz. They may also wear pearl. Some experts suggest that such people may also wear ruby and emerald but the beneficial influence of these two gems is doubtful. WHICH STONE IS FORBIDDEN FOR WHICH ASCENDANT HOUSE People with a particular zodiac sign as ascendant house in their horoscope may wear different gemstones in combination, similarly there is a complete list of gemstones that are forbidden for the people with a particular ascendant house. Wearing of such stones may lead to relegation and the wearer may have to suffer serious losses instead of reaping rich benefits. Aries: People with ascendant house Aries should not wear diamond and emerald. Many experts forbid even blue sapphire for these people. But they believe that if the position of Saturn is strong in horoscope, such people can safely wear blue sapphire. Taurus: Due to mutual hostility between Venus, lord of Taurus, and Jupiter, topaz is forbidden for people with Taurus as the ascendant house. Some experts even forbid coral and ruby for such people. Gemini: People with Gemini as the ascendant house must not wear coral, pearl, ruby and topaz. Some experts forbid even blue sapphire for such people but allow it in combination with emerald.

Cancer: People with Cancer as the ascendant house must not wear emerald, diamond and blue sapphire. Leo: Diamond, blue sapphire and pearl are strictly forbidden for the people with Leo as the ascendant house. Virgo: Coral, ruby and blue sapphire is forbidden for such people. Libra: Wearing of ruby, coral and topaz may prove harmful for the people with Libra as the ascendant house. They may wear pearl only when suggested by some expert astrologer to channelise the influence of moon. Scorpio: People with Scorpio as the ascendant house must not wear diamond, blue sapphire and emerald. Sagittarius: Diamond, blue sapphire, pearl and emerald prove extremely harmful for the people with Sagittarius as the ascendant house. Capricorn: Wearing ruby, pearl and topaz may prove to be torturous for the people with Capricorn as the ascendant house. Coral however proves beneficial. Aquarius: Ruby, pearl, coral, emerald and topaz are particularly harmful for the people with Aquarius as the ascendant house. Pisces: Ruby, emerald, diamond and blue sapphire are forbidden for the people with Pisces as the ascendant house. RITUALS OF WEARING GEMSTONES Ruby: This is a gemstone of the Sun. Hence it should be worn on Sunday. The time before 8 a.m. in the morning on any Sunday during the brighter phase is the most auspicious moment for wearing ruby. At this moment,

ruby must be given a bath in Panchamrit or raw milk. Thereafter wash it with holy water. Now put it before the Sun yantra or the idol of your tutelary deity in the place of your worship. Carry out usual worship rituals and recite the hymn of Sun 7,000 or 108 times. Then with full faith and devotion, wear the ruby-containing ring on the ring finger of your right hand. Ruby is especially beneficial if worn in gold. Ruby remains effective for up to 4 years from the day of wearing it. HYMNS OF THE SUN 1) OM HRAM HREEM HRAUM SURYAY NAMAH | 2) OM SURYAY NAMAH | 3) OM JAPAKUSUMASANKASHAM KASHPEYAM MAHADYUTIM TAMOARI SARV PAPADHNAM PRANATOASMI DIVAKARAM | If a learned Brahmin carries out the whole ritual and he is given proper donations, the effect of the gem increases manifold due to the blessings of the Brahmin. Pearl: Pearl is the gem for the Moon. Hence it should be worn on Monday. Full moon night on any Monday is the most auspicious day to wear pearl. Alternatively, Monday falling during brighter phase of the moon is also auspicious. Before wearing the pearl, give it a bath in Panchamrit (Milk, curd, ghee, sugar and honey) or raw milk. Then wash it with holy water and put it before the Moon yantra. In the absence of Moon yantra, place it before the idol of tutelary God in your place of worship. Offer then unbroken rice, sandal paste, incense sticks etc. and carry out usual worship rituals. Recite the hymn of Moon 11,000 times. If it is not possible, recite it 108 times. Then with full faith and devotion, wear pearl on the

ring finger of your right hand. Pearl should be worn in silver for maximum benefits. Pearl remains effective for a period of 4 years from the day of wearing it. HYMNS OF THE MOON 1) OM SHRAM SHREEM SHRAUM SAH CHANDRAMASE NAMAH| 2) OM CHANDRAY NAMAH| 3) OM DADHISHANKHTUSHARABHAM KSHEERODARNAN SAMBAHVAM NAMAMI SHASHIM SOMAM SHABHOMUNKUT BHUSHANAM | Coral: This is the stone of Mars. Hence it should be worn on Tuesday. Select any Tuesday in the darker phase of the month. Time of 11 a.m. is the most auspicious moment for sanctifying this stone. First of all, wash it in 'Panchamrit' or raw milk and put it before Mangal Yantra or the idol of your tutelary deity or in the place of worship in your house. Now carry on as usual rituals of worship. If possible recite the hymn of Mars ten thousand times. If it is not possible, recite it one hundred and eight times. Then with devotional feelings, wear coral in the ring finger of your right hand. If it is Mrigshira, Chitra, Dhanishta Nakshatras during that moment, wearing of coral gives specially beneficial results. Coral should be worn in copper or gold ring. It can also be worn in silver. Wearing of it in an alloy of all these three metals gives quick results. Coral remains effective for three years. The hymns for Mars are as follows: 1) OM KRAM KREEM KRAUM BHAUMAYA NAMAH

2) OM BHUMISUTAY NAMAH 3) OM MANGALAAY\BHAUMAYA NAMAH Emerald: It is the stone of Mercury. Hence it is worn on Wednesday. It should be worn in gold or silver but wearing of it in bronze or an alloy of two metals gives quick results. If it is worn during Ashlesha, Jyeshtha or Revati Nakshatras on Wednesday after proper worship at about 11 a.m., it proves specially beneficial. Emerald should be worn on the little finger of the right hand. First of all give the emerald-bearing ring a bath in Panchamrit or raw milk and wash it with the holy water of the Ganges. Put it then before yantra or picture of Mercury or before the idol of deity at the place of worship. Worship the ring then properly. Then recite the hymn of Mercury four thousand times or one hundred and eight times and ultimately wear the stone. Emerald remains effective for three years.