Size, Shape, & Quality
Quality: The most important features of Jyotish gems are color, clarity, and cut. A 1 carat flawless, sparkling green emerald with a pleasing cut will be more powerful than a 5 carat heavily included dull green emerald. Look for eye clean gems with vibrant color; avoid gems with inclusions or other flaws. This may be difficult in the case of natural emeralds, though it is noted that of all the Jyotish gems, emeralds can have some flaws ("jardin", aka inclusions).
Shape: the main recommended shapes are round, oval, emerald. Gemstones should be pleasing to the eye, therefore symmetrical shapes are best.
Size: traditional auspicious carat weights for various natural gemstones are listed below. For secondary and synthetic gemstones, astrologers recommend bigger gems. The book "19 Big Secrets About Astro Gems", by Heinz Krug and Robert Thurston, advocates synthetic gemstones weighing at least 24 carats. They put the cap at 200 carats - at 200 carats or above, these gem powers may go awry for humans ;)
The traditional unit of measurement for gemstones in India is ratti.
1 ratti is approx. 0.9 carat which is approx. 0.18 gram
1 gram = 5 carats
Shape: the main recommended shapes are round, oval, emerald. Gemstones should be pleasing to the eye, therefore symmetrical shapes are best.
Size: traditional auspicious carat weights for various natural gemstones are listed below. For secondary and synthetic gemstones, astrologers recommend bigger gems. The book "19 Big Secrets About Astro Gems", by Heinz Krug and Robert Thurston, advocates synthetic gemstones weighing at least 24 carats. They put the cap at 200 carats - at 200 carats or above, these gem powers may go awry for humans ;)
The traditional unit of measurement for gemstones in India is ratti.
1 ratti is approx. 0.9 carat which is approx. 0.18 gram
1 gram = 5 carats
Listed below are weights according to Vedic astrology books and sites (which widely vary). In most cases, Jyotish gemstones should weigh at least 1 carat. Clarity and color come first. The rule is to get the highest quality and largest gem you can afford to feel the most effect.
| Planet | Stone | Minimum Carat Weight | Auspicious Weights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sun | Ruby | 2 carats | 2 1/2 carats |
| Moon | Pearl | 2 - 3 1/2 carats | 4, 6, or 11 rattikas |
| Mars | Coral | 3 - 8 carats | 9, 11, or 12 rattikas |
| Mercury | Emerald | 1 1/2 - 3 carats | |
| Jupiter | Yellow Sapphire | 2 - 3 carats | 5, 7, 8, 10, 12, or 14 rattikas |
| Venus | Diamond | 1 carat | |
| Saturn | Blue Sapphire | 2 - 5 carats | 5 or 7 rattikas |
| Rahu | Hessonite Garnet | 3 - 5 carats | |
| Ketu | Cat's Eye | 3 - 5 carats |
If you cannot find a large, single cut stone, consider purchasing several smaller stones equal to the carat weight you would like. Precious gemstones are also available as beads and cabochons, which may be less expensive than large faceted stones.
