Classification of Gemstones

Howdy guys! as you can make it out by the heading, this post is in relation to the Classification of Gemstones. 
There are many classifications and approaches when it comes to suggesting or advising any gemstone to the person. In this post, I'll be covering the most used and comprehensive classification which is widely used and applied.

The Gemstones are broadly classified as :

1. Maharatna i.e. Astrological Gemstones.

2. Upratna i.e. Substitutes.

Further, there are 3 methods of defining the Maharatna i.e. Astrological Gemstones.

A. Method 1: PANCHA TATWA (THE 5 ELEMENTAL FORMS)
     
The five elemental forms of existence of all substances called Tatwa are used to define the Five Maharatna or Astrological Gemstones.

ELEMENT -- GEMSTONE

1. FIRE(Agni) -- RUBY
2. WATER(Jala) -- PEARL
3. AIR(Vayu) -- DIAMOND
4. ETHER(Akash) -- BLUE SAPPHIRE
5. EARTH(Prithvi) -- EMERALD

B. Method 2: SAPTARSHI/SAPTAGRAHA (THE 7 PLANETARY FORMS)

The seven planets from the Sun to Saturn represent the seven colours of the visible spectrum of light that lead to the creation of lives. The Rig Veda also advises the use of these seven gemstones for "CATCHING" the rays of the Sun. Thus the Gemstones which are chosen on this basis are called "LIFESTONES".

PLANET -- GEMSTONE

1. SUN -- RUBY
2. MOON -- PEARL
3. MARS -- RED CORAL
4. JUPITER -- YELLOW SAPPHIRE
5. VENUS -- DIAMOND
6. MERCURY -- EMERALD
7. SATURN -- BLUE SAPPHIRE

C. Method 3: NAVRATNA/ NAVAGRAHA (THE NINE GEMS):

This classification is based on the 7 planetary bodies and 2 shadowy planets i.e. the North and the South nodes in the universe. This together comprised of nine Grahas or Planetary bodies (planets and nodes that affect human life) from the Sun to Ketu.

PLANET -- GEMSTONE

1. SUN -- RUBY (MANIK/PADMARAGA) 
2. MOON -- PEARL (MOTI)
3. MARS -- RED CORAL (MOONGA)
4. MERCURY -- EMERALD (PANNA)
5. JUPITER -- YELLOW SAPPHIRE (PUKHARAJ)
6. VENUS -- DIAMOND (HEERA)
7. SATURN -- BLUE SAPPHIRE (NEELAM)
8. RAHU -- HESSONITE (GOMED)
9. KETU -- CAT'S EYE (LEHSUNIYA)


                      SUBSTITUTES ( UPRATNA )

As I mentioned in my previous posts, Substitute or Upratna are also gemstones but these are not the first choice for the astrological purpose. The ones who can not afford to buy the expensive gemstones can go for these substitutes which would give desired effects but not so profound as original gemstones. Some of these are:

• GARNET

It is a hard, durable and brilliant stone, available in many colours (green, red, yellow, orange, orange-brown, brilliant wine red, red-purple, violet and pink). It can also be substituted for ruby in its red shade. Yellow coloured can be substituted for the yellow sapphire or topaz when Jupiter is in fall. In its deep red can be substituted for ruby for the Sun and in its reddish-brown shade goes to substitute Hessonite for Rahu.

• AMETHYST

It is a beautiful transparent purple variety of quartz. It can cure alcoholism and drug abuse. If the circle of the Sun or the semi-disc of the Moon is engraved on it, it prevents death from the poison. Relatively hard with a fair amount of brilliance. May fade from heat and strong sunshine. Works relatively well as in pendant form.

• AQUAMARINE

Symbolizes youth, hope and health. It is a member of the beryl family that includes Emerald but it is relatively less brittle and more durable than the latter. Colour ranges from light blue to bluish-green to deep blue. Deeper shade is recommended for meditation.

• TSAVORITE

Member of the garnet family resembles emerald. Comparatively clearer, more brilliant and durable than the latter. There is also a rarer green garnet, called Demantoid, which is softer and has more fire. These gems offer fine alternatives to the person desiring a lovely green gem who can't afford the emerald.

• TOURMALINE

It is a modern times gem that comes in various colours and has a fair amount of hardness and brilliance. It is affordable and beautiful. Can be worn by suitable wearer according to his/her eligibility as per the above criteria. can be worn as bicolour tourmaline (half red and half green) and tricolour tourmaline (red, blue and green thirds each).

• CITRINE

It is yellow, amber, to amber brown and often called Quartz Topaz, Citrine Topaz or Topaz- but all these are incorrect. It is different from all these. Durable, softer and less brilliant than the precious Topaz stone. Lacks the subtle colour shading. Should never be treated as Topas as the latter one is precious an imperial technically.

• PERIDOT

A Transparent yellowish-green to deep chartreuse stone. Aids in friendship building and getting rid of any envious thoughts. Acts as a combination of emerald and topaz, aids in curing diseases such as dropsy and that of the liver. Not a hard stone and can get scratches if used roughly.

Above- mentioned are few of the various substitutes. Whether it is an original astrological gemstone or substitutes, none should be wear without proper consultation from a learned astrologer and gemologist.

STAY BLESSED!!

XOXO...





Reference: Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra.