In Vedic astrology, each of the nine planets (navagraha) has its own gemstone, and together they make the navratna: ruby for the Sun, pearl for the Moon, red coral for Mars, emerald for Mercury, yellow sapphire for Jupiter, diamond for Venus, blue sapphire for Saturn, hessonite (gomed) for Rahu and cat's eye for Ketu. An astrologer reads your birth chart to say which stone to wear, its weight in ratti, the finger and the metal.
The nine planets and their stones
Navratna at a glance
| Sun (Surya) | Ruby (manik) · traditionally ring finger, gold or copper, Sunday |
|---|---|
| Moon (Chandra) | Pearl (moti) · little finger, silver, Monday |
| Mars (Mangal) | Red coral (moonga) · ring finger, gold or copper, Tuesday |
| Mercury (Budh) | Emerald (panna) · little finger, gold, Wednesday |
| Jupiter (Guru) | Yellow sapphire (pukhraj) · index finger, gold, Thursday |
| Venus (Shukra) | Diamond (heera) · middle or ring finger, silver or white metal, Friday |
| Saturn (Shani) | Blue sapphire (neelam) · middle finger, silver or panchdhatu, Saturday |
| Rahu | Hessonite (gomed) · middle finger, silver, Saturday |
| Ketu | Cat's eye (lehsunia) · middle or little finger, silver, as advised |
Practices vary between astrologers; always follow the instructions written for your chart.
The basics
What is navratna?
Navratna means "nine gems". Each gem is believed to carry the energy of one planet, and wearing the right one is traditionally thought to strengthen a helpful planet in your birth chart. The nine stones are also set together in navratna rings and pendants, arranged in a traditional pattern with ruby, the Sun's gem, at the centre.
"Nine planets, nine gems, one chart: yours."
Step by step
How do I know which gemstone to wear?
-
Get your birth chart read
An astrologer needs your date, time and place of birth.
-
Note the full prescription
Stone, weight in ratti, finger, metal, day and mantra.
-
Choose a natural, untreated stone
For astrology, natural stones are preferred; ask about treatments.
-
Get a certificate for precious stones
We can add a lab certificate to loose gemstones for ₹500.
-
Set and wear it as advised
We can set your stone in silver, gold or panchdhatu.
Many people bring us exactly what their astrologer wrote, and we find a stone to match. You can also talk to our astrologer.
Gentler and more affordable
What are upratna (substitute stones)?
Upratna are substitute stones, often suggested when the main gem is too costly or too strong. Commonly suggested substitutes include:
- Ruby: garnet or red spinel
- Pearl: moonstone
- Red coral: carnelian or red agate
- Emerald: peridot or green tourmaline
- Yellow sapphire: citrine (sunela) or yellow topaz
- Diamond: white sapphire, zircon or opal
- Blue sapphire: amethyst (jamunia), iolite or lapis (lajward)
💡 Ask your astrologer before choosing an upratna; suggestions differ.
Navratna myths, cleared up
Myth: "Everyone should wear their zodiac stone."
In Vedic astrology, the stone depends on your whole birth chart, not just your sun sign.
Myth: "Heavier is always better."
Weight matters, but so do colour, clarity and whether the stone is natural.
Myth: "Blue sapphire suits everyone."
Neelam is considered one of the strongest stones and is usually advised with care.
Myth: "Gemstones replace effort or treatment."
They are traditional supports, not medical or financial solutions.
Navratna: questions people ask
Which gemstone is for which planet?
Ruby for the Sun, pearl for the Moon, red coral for Mars, emerald for Mercury, yellow sapphire for Jupiter, diamond for Venus, blue sapphire for Saturn, hessonite (gomed) for Rahu and cat's eye for Ketu.
How do I know which gemstone I should wear?
Traditionally, an astrologer reads your birth chart and names the stone, the weight in ratti, the finger, the metal and the day to start wearing it.
What is a ratti?
A traditional Indian unit of gemstone weight. On our site, ratti is carats divided by 0.91; some astrologers use a different figure, so check which one yours means.
Can I wear a navratna ring?
Navratna rings with all nine stones are traditionally worn for overall balance. Ask your astrologer whether it suits your chart.
Do I need a certificate for my gemstone?
For precious stones it is wise. We can add a lab certificate to loose gemstones for ₹500.
Can I wear the gemstone loose in my pocket?
Most people wear it set in a ring or pendant so it touches the skin, which is the traditional practice. We can set it for you.
Astrological uses of gemstones are traditional beliefs, not medical or financial advice. Always consult an astrologer before wearing a gemstone for astrology.
Find your navratna gemstone
Bring your astrologer's prescription; we will match the stone, weigh it in ratti and set it for you.
Browse navratna
