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The Hidden Magic of Gems

In Indian tradition, the sacred gems relating to the nine planets are called The Nine Gems, or "navratna". Each of these gems has a traditional role to play in either strengthening or counteracting the power of its ruling planet. This article by Uma Shankar Shukla concludes by examining the Nine Gems.

YELLOW SAPPHIRE or Topaz/Puhkaraj (for Jupiter).

This is one of the most widely used gems to help achieve better financial status. The wearer may expect wealth, good health, name, honour and fame if the Gem suits him or her.

It is also believed that if there are obstructions in finding a suitable match for a girl, she gets married early by wearing a Yellow Sapphire. This is normally light yellow in colour.

Topaz or Pushkaraj is a cold gem. It improves vision, gives life security, protects ones from poverty, removes adversity, misfortune and melancholy.

In diseases, Topaz cures diarrhea, gastritis, ulcer, rheumatism, jaundice, insomnia, heart troubles, impotency, gout, arthritis, pain in knee joints, etc. Topaz should be worn in gold, on 1st finger of right hand on Thursday. The weight should be of 7 or 13 ratti.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Sapphires, are simply crystallized alumina (Al2O3) and in their pure form are devoid of colour.

Sapphires are found in various colours which include pink, blue, green, yellow, orange and white. In India, Yellow Sapphire is known as Pukhraj and Blue Sapphire is known as Neelam. It has a specific gravity of 3.99, mean refractive index (RI) 1.765 and Hardness of 9 on the Moh's scale.

OCCURRENCE

Sapphires are found in India, Brazil, Sri Lanka, Russia, Thailand, Australia, U.S.A, U.K., Nepal, Mexico, Zambia and Nigeria. In India, Sapphires are found in Jammu. These are considered to be the best in the world. Few sapphires are also found in Orissa but they are not of very high quality.

IDENTIFICATION

Natural Sapphires carry within them clear signs of slow crystallization. Some of the external elements sometimes remains preserved in the Gem which helps its identification. Like all other precious gems it should have inclusions which should be visible to the naked eye or under magnification. Otherwise, it is a piece of glass or a synthetic substance.

The inclusions are generally like 'feathers' or are like finger print impressions. Liquid inclusions looking like lace are also sometimes visible. Synthetic Sapphires are very common in the market and many traders in order to earn fast money sell them as originals. These are very clear and under magnification show bubble like inclusions. Sometimes feather like inclusions have also seen but they shine abnormally under light.

BLUE SAPPHIRE or Neelam (for Saturn)

Neelam removes evil effects of Saturn. It is said that this stone has the magical power to elevate its user to a higher status from all sides. Some astrologers believe that Blue Sapphire or Neelam is so powerful if used properly that it can alleviate even long-term misfortune. However there is a caution. Sometimes this stone may react adversely. It is advisable to first test it for a week before final wearing. It could give you everything you could desire - health, wealth, longevity, happiness. It also restores lost wealth and property.

This is normally faint or dark blue in colour. Sapphire or Neelam is a very cold gem. They may be yellow also. It brings wealth, name and fame. Also gives good stamina, longevity and security in life. Can improve fertility in a barren woman. Best suited for joy, love and happiness. It cures fainting, fits, virility, mental disorder, deafness and baldness.

It should be used on 2nd finger of right hand in gold or panch dhatu on Saturday and the weight is 5 or 7 ratti.

RUBY Manik (for Sun)

Ruby is said to give name, fame, vigor, virtue, warmth and the capacity to command to its user. It can also raise the individual far above the status in which he was born. Historically, it has been symbolic of love and passion. This is normally red in colour. Ruby is a hot stone.

On diseases front: Ruby helps cure peptic ulcer, fever, rheumatism, gout etc. However prolonged use may cause boils, itch and insomnia as well. Do consult an astrologer or a gemologist before wearing this or any other stone. Ladies should avoid the use of Ruby as it can destroy the body lustre.

Ruby should be used in gold in third or ring finger of right hand on Sunday. Ideally should be of about 3 or 5 ratti in weight.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

The name Ruby comes from Latin 'Rubrum', which means 'Red'. Ruby, which is corundum, is simply crystallized alumina (Al2O3) and in pure form it is devoid of colour. The rich colour in Ruby is mainly due to small amounts of chronic oxide, which is able to replace part of alumina without disturbing the trigonal crystal structure. It has a specific gravity of 3.99. Mean Refractive Index is 1.765 and the hardness is 9 on the Moh's scale.

OCCURRENCE
Ruby is found in Burma, Thailand, Sri Lanka, East Africa, Kenya, Nepal, Afghanistan, India and Pakistan. The best Rubies are from the Magok district of Burma. Thai Rubies are comparatively less attractive and the Rubies found in Sri Lanka are pink.

IDENTIFICATION

Natural Rubies are never 'clean' i.e., without inclusions. They contain inclusions which look like 'silk'. Natural Ruby encloses small crystals of other minerals, in the form of pale angular grains, cavities of irregular shapes, patches of fine needle-like criss-crossing canals which give a silky effect by reflected light. If these inclusions are not visible to the naked eye, then the eyeglass should be used to detect them. If even under high magnification no such inclusions are visible, then the Gem you are checking is most probably a piece of glass. A synthetic Ruby will either not contain any inclusions or else it will have bubble-like inclusions, or cracks, as seen in a glass, will be visible. The cracks will give a milky hue and will be of an even nature.

By Pt. Uma Shankar Shukla Know your Lucky Gem