The Hidden Magic & Karismas of Gems & Crystals the subtle power of stones
We, as human beings, receive vital rays – subtle cosmic radiation from planets that influence our attitudes, behaviour, and environment. Stones and gems, coming into direct contact with the skin, exercise an electromagnetic influence over our cells. This article by our own Vedic astrologer, Uma Shankar Shukla, explores the
ways in which our lives can be affected by the subtle power of stones. Utter the word astrogems, and be ready to be labelled as "that helpless lamb who believes in that misleading thing called astrology" by the cynic who would also deride astrology as "fated pronouncement of stars". But surge a wee bit beyond the mist of pre-conceived notions, shed that cloak of so-called "scientific temper", and what have you? Reasons not to blithely dismiss what were first endorsed in this holy nation: astrogems – known as jyotish gems in ancient India. Common Sense About Gems
Have you noticed that, when our friends laugh (irrespective of whether or not we have understood the joke they are laughing at) we tend to laugh with them? However, we may not be inclined to join the laughter of a stranger sitting next to our table in a restaurant. The infectious laughter occurs because of our resonant empathy (common resonance frequency) with our friends. In simpler terms, our friends are on the same wavelength as us. Power of Prayer
Similarly, when we pray, we send out appreciation, or a request for some quality to be improved, or a situation to learn from and, at times, we are amazed at how wonderfully the universal intelligence responds. However, look at it in perspective, and things will fall in place. We are actually resonating with the abundance of divine love and goodwill that is readily available to everyone, and our prayers act as channels through which the love and goodwill flow to our near ones and us. Did you know that Prince Charles speaks to plants, and that plants respond by bending and other ways? It is all a matter of flow of energy from the endearing one to the plants. Those who practice positive affirmations like chanting of mantras will testify the wonderful results of such exercises on the body, mind, and spirit. Now, take a step further back, and let's move on from smaller things to the huge celestial bodies. Isn't it true that the Moon's major phases have such strong effects that we are consciously able to experience them? Sunspots, although of minor astrological significance, have also been shown to significantly affect us. Thus, the basis of all our problems in life lies in our receptivity (resonance). As our receptivity can either be negative or positive, reactive or proactive, we must strive to become magnets that attract only the positive aspects. We must increase the positive aspect of our receptivity. Electromagnetic Resonance and Vital Rays:
Likewise, we can benefit from the invisible influences if we received the correct blend of radiation that is helpful to our particular electromagnetic 'signature' (corresponding to our karmic weaknesses and strengths). The real significance of karma is not in what happens to us, but in how we react to it. And the greatest challenge of life is to react to events in a positive way. This is where gems come into action. When we wear the right kind of gems, they produce helpful electromagnetic rays. We, as human beings, receive vital rays – subtle cosmic radiation from planets that influence our attitudes, behaviour, and environment. The science and philosophy of gems
The human body contains carbon and various metallic elements also present in plants, metals and jewels. People are very sensitive to E-M radiation. If your astrological chart shows that your receptivity to beneficial planetary radiation is weak or out of balance, it can be rectified and strengthened by the natural electromagnetic radiation emanating from the appropriate gems. Just as we need vitamins and minerals to meet our physical requirements, we can also utilise different forms of invisible energy to stimulate and aid our mental, spiritual, and physical dispositions. Gemstones have traditionally been used as a potent source of these invisible, therapeutic energies. The Sci-Phi (Science & Philosophy) Of Gems
No detailed scientific explanations have been offered yet to show how precious stones are able to rearrange and re-orient our negative karmic patterns into positive patterns that can heal and improve our lives. A full scientific understanding of the healing potential of gems may well require an unusually wide scope of investigation, ranging from the macrocosm of astrophysics to the microcosm of atomic structure. Gems, as intelligently grown crystal forms, share – by common design – unique, patterned symmetries in their atomic lattices that contain billions of atoms in geometric alignment. The precise structure adopted by atoms when they link to form a crystal depends upon which kinds of atoms are present at the time, which ones end up in the crystal structure and the conditions (temperature, pressure etc) which control the way they link together. Ayurvedic Remedy
Gems are considered, by those who study Ayurveda – the traditional medicine of India – to have a particularly potent and stable resonance of energy (consciousness), due to an exceptionally free flow of energy from their geometrically aligned atoms. This resonant energy has either an obvious or subtle effect on the mind (consciousness), depending on the individual wearing the gems. They will vibrate at a new energy level only if they are exposed to energy of their resonant frequency. In the human body there may be a low or weakened degree of receptivity to a frequency of needed cosmic radiation due to a variety of karmic reasons. A gem resonating at a frequency which is identical to that 'weak link' in the individual's bio-electronic pattern could well be the catalyst for a definite improvement in physical, psychological, and spiritual health. We can infer that gems resonate to the needed frequencies radiated by the planets and, hence, strengthen or retune our weakened receptivity to these frequencies. Holistic practitioners believe that disease is generally a symptom of lack, or excess, of a particular form of energy. The correct balance of energy is the remedy that seems to procure the greatest health. Where To Start
A detailed planetary analysis is the first step. In India, the proper method of determining the right gem is to do a lifetime chart for the person, based on his or her birth information. For finding out your present planetary position, we need your time of birth, date of birth, and the place of birth. With this information, we will find out the present planetary positions and your birth star and advise you the right kind of gem to be worn for this period. The proper stone is then prescribed. It is necessary that the gem must remain in direct contact with the body. So, when getting the ring made from a jeweller, make sure that the design is such that the stone touches the skin when you wear the ring. Also, its surface must be open to receive the rays. The rays should be able to pass through the gemstone, into your body, and no metal should block their path. The stone must be worn in a ring or a bracelet, but never as a pendant as pendants swing and lessen the power of the stone. Choosing A Genuine Gem
When choosing a gemstone, consult a good gemmologist and buy gems from a recognised gemstone mart. Only experience will help you distinguish the fake from the real. It is said that you can check the gemstone by carefully feeling and touching the gem: most of the gems are hard, the duplicate ones are waxy if they are squeezed between the fingers. However, the correct scientific method is to rely on the specific gravity test and the refractive index test. Artificial and fake gems serve no purpose except ornamentation and will not create the desired results of the original gem. A Word of Caution
Remember, a gem is only a means to end – and not the end – of sorrows, obstructions, etc. Do not believe anyone who says that all your problems will come to an end after you start wearing a lucky gem. Just as astrology is the torchlight to truth, and not the truth in itself (which is for you to seek with your own effort), gems can be a valuable aid to life, but not the ultimate solution. Steeped in myths and legends, countless beliefs and fascinating tales are related about the mysterious powers of gems and precious stones. Wearing a blue sapphire, for instance, is believed to bring you a fortune, love, and release from prison! Since ancient times, gems and precious stones have been associated with the zodiac signs and continue to be credited with possessing power to bring luck and change the course of an individual's life. What Benefits Can a Gemstone Bring? In the professional sphere, a Gem or a precious stone can help most of you to achieve breakthroughs which have topped your list of aspirations for a long time. You won't have to wait in the wings if you're wearing a suitable gem. Instead, your skills and expertise can be in demand and you'll be able to build up a strong reputation as a consistent worker who can deliver quality, even when circumstances are stacked against a positive outcome. Seniors and people in authority can be inclined to accept many of your ideas and proposals, while colleagues and juniors can be more cooperative if you wear an auspicious Gem. In business, the right Gem can enable you to usher in and sustain a phase of expansion. Your capacity to visualize plans, which are responsive to market trends, can be enhanced manifold and many of you can quickly find that you're amongst the front-runners in your field. A Gem can also enable you to adopt the most sophisticated marketing techniques. Romantic involvement can become more intense and important decisions kept in abeyance can be easier to deal with in a long term context. In many cases, a Gem could hasten marriage or a meeting with a special someone, in addition to saving your marriage if it's heading for the rocks. If you suffer off and on from respiratory problems or are concerned about putting on weight, a Gem would be just what you need. Overall, your run of success can gain power and pick up speed if you wear a Gem in 2002. And in the bargain, many of the weak areas in your life can be transformed into strengths if you wear a Gem. At Work
A Gem can lift you to new heights by bringing out the best in you. Your strong qualities such as diligence, patience, tenacity of purpose and an eye for detail can grow stronger if you wear a Gem; while your weak areas, such as a tendency to get bored quickly, or change your mind too often, can also benefit from a Gem. Many of the ideas and plans which were gestating in your mind, can, under the influence of a Gem, become ripe for implementation in a remarkable manner. Your creativity and administrative abilities can reach new heights and you'll be ready to step into a position of authority. Promotions that were held up due to an assortment of factors can soon move towards a favorable outcome. While seniors can be demanding, a Gem can ensure that commensurate facilities and perks or remuneration are placed at your command in 2008. Work connected with medicine, the law or communication can benefit tremendously if you wear the right Gem. Freelancers and those who are 'self employed' can also gain immensely from a Gem and can be able to cash in optimally on the infrastructure available. At Home
Wearing a Gem in 2008 can induce many of you to create a home within a home. This means that you could shift your office or a part of it into your home, add more living space to your residence, or undertake a thorough spring-cleaning or re-arranging which can provide you with a lot more room than before, an additional home as it were. A Gem can enable many of you to pick up some truly beautiful furnishings for your home. Throughout 2008, most of you can be adding to your inventory of electronic items. Food and clothes – both can assume, largely indirectly, additional interest for you in 2008 and, under the infuence of a Gem, you'll develop a keen eye for spotting just the right gifts even when the choice is very wide. Love and Romance
By wearing the right kind of Gem, love can become as constant in your life as the water you drink. If you're waiting for somebody who matches your fancies, a Gem can bring the momentous moment of meeting closer. If you feel that romance in your life is beginning to pall, a Gem could act like champagne. While a Gem could also lead some of you up the path of fantasies which have little chance of becoming part of real life, it can certainly mark the beginning of a most satisfying phase in love and romance. A Gem can ensure that alliances riddled by uncertainties become more solid and stable relationships acquire a special lustre. Business and Finances
Business can prosper and finances can soar skywards at a rapid pace if you wear the right gem. Opportunities to improve your business and financial prospects can become abundant through an unexpected chain of events. Market conditions can tend to favour you and the financial grapevine can provide you with excellent tips. Even if the product you're relying on falls below expectations or you're unable to meet delivery schedules, a Gem can ensure that you'll get a second chance to redeem or re-establish your reputation. Payments held up in the market can come in more regularly than before and widen your scope for investment. However, despite the of business and financial benefits that a Gem yields, often unexpectedly, the optimum results can stem from partnerships. Loans and funds can be easily available, but the initial paperwork may entail a lot of time wasted despite help from the Gem. Overall, a Gem can ensure stability, growth and a heartening increase in profits in 2008. Health
Freedom from various health problems, a trim figure, greater resistance to infections – a Gem can ensure all this and more for you in your life. 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. YELLOW SAPPHIRE or Topaz/Pushkaraj (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 will marry 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 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 grams (semi precious)
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 and Kashmir. These are considered to be the best in the world. Some 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 the 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 test it first 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. Sapphire is normally faint or dark blue in colour. It is a very cold gem. Sapphire may also be yellow. 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 grams. RUBY Manik (for Sun)
Ruby is said to give name, fame, vigour, virtue, warmth and the capacity to command to its user. It can also raise the individual far above the status into which he was born. Historically, it has been symbolic of love and passion. It is normally red in colour. Ruby is a hot stone. On the disease 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 on third or ring finger of right hand on Sunday. Ideally it should be about 3 or 5 grams 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 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. EMERALD Panna (for Mercury)
Emerald improves faculties related to the brain such as memory, communication, intuition, the intellect and the ability to learn. It is normally petal green or dark green in colour. Emerald is a hot gem. It increases intelligence and brainpower, removes and cures fickle-mindedness, loss of memory, stammering, fear from souls and spirits, cooling harsh speech. One of the interesting observations about Emerald is that it is not prescribed for newly wed couples. It is said that newly married couples should not use it, as it impairs conjugal happiness due to reduction in sexual desires. It is also useful for curing diarrhea, dysentery, gastritis, peptic ulcer, asthma, insomnia, heart troubles, etc. Emerald should be used in gold of 3, 5, 7 or 10 grams on 4th finger of right hand on Wednesday. An Emerald wearer is likely to find sufficient wealth. PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Emerald, which is a Gem of Beryl family, is a silicate of beryllium and aluminium 3BeO.Al2O3.6SiO2. The colour of Emerald is mainly due to traces of chromium replacing aluminium ions in the hexagonal beryl crystal. It has a specific Gravity of 2.71, mean refractive index is 1.58 and hardness is 7.5 on the moh's scale. OCCURRENCE
Emerald is found in Colombia, Brazil, Russia, Tanzania, South Africa, India, Australia, Austria, Pakistan, Kenya and Zambia. In India, Emeralds are found in Rajasthan, Orissa and Madhya Pradesh. IDENTIFICATION
Emeralds from various mines have different kinds of inclusions, which can be seen with the naked eye, or else under magnification. If no inclusions are seen even under magnification, the chances are that the Gem under examination is either a piece of glass or a fake. Inclusions in Emeralds include flakes of mica, fibrous material, milky-white spots, straw, bamboos and small cubes of rock salt are seen sometimes. Black spots are also seen in Emeralds. Emeralds were formed when lava coming out from the volcanoes solidified on the surface of the earth. At this stage its fast solidification led to certain flaws in its crystal formation and certain foreign elements also entered the matrix. Synthetic Emeralds contain nail-like inclusions, brush-marks or chains of bubbles. RED CORAL Praval or Moonga (for Mars)
It is said that Red Coral instills courage in its wearer. It also helps in curing blood -related diseases. It is normally red in color. Coral ensures material happiness, recovery from diseases indicated by Mars such as fever, cough, bilious complaints, smallpox, chickenpox, headache, loss of vitality, piles, boils, measles etc. It should be worn in silver or copper, and should be of 9, 11, 12 grams, on Tuesday on 1st or 4th finger of right hand. It is a hot stone. PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Coral is a product of the sea. It is formed from the calcareous skeletons of myriads of tiny polyps (meaning "insect with many feet"), which live in vast colonies in warm waters at a moderate depth. It is composed chiefly of calcium carbonate. This is arranged as fibres radiating from the central axis of the curving coral branches. Its specific Gravity is 2.68 and hardness is less than 4 on the Moh's scale. It is an opaque stone. Many forms of coral exist, but only high quality red, pink, blue, black and white corals are used in jewellery. OCCURRENCE
Corals are found in India, Italy, Australia, Sri Lanka, Japan, Malaysia, South, Africa, Algeria and U.S.A. IDENTIFICATION
Coral, being an opaque gem, is very difficult to identify. A practiced eye is required to differentiate between a natural and a manmade coral. Natural corals, if seen under magnification, always tell the story of their origin. They have black marks which are actually holes. A very careful examination is required to identify a natural coral. Real corals are not very clear and if clear they are very costly. Manmade corals are very commonly found in the marketplaces being sold as real corals. DIAMOND Heera (for Venus). It is said that the one who wears a Diamond has a luxurious life . Diamond is also supposed to enhance the name, fame and artistic quality of the person. Diamond is a hot gem. It creates goodness and removes evil and fearful thoughts in the native. It improves financial conditions and blesses the native with comforts and peace of mind. It also enhances sexual power. Also helpful in diabetes, diseases of urine, of private parts, syphillis, skin and uterine diseases. Diamond should he worn on 1st finger of right hand on Friday in gold or platinum. The weight should be 1/4 or 1/2 gram. PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
The name diamond comes from the Greek 'adamas', meaning 'invincible' in recognition of its exceptional hardness which makes it resist any form of abrasion by other minerals. Diamond is carbon in its pure form. Chemically there is no difference between diamond, coal and graphite. But the unique atomic bonding makes the difference. It has a specific gravity of 3.52, mean Refractive Index is 2.418 and has a hardness of 10 on the Moh's scale. OCCURRENCE
Diamonds are found in South Africa, Australia, Russia, Kenya, Ghana, Angola, Tanzania, Brazil and India. In India, Diamonds are found in Madhya Pradesh, Orrisa and Andhra Pradesh. IDENTIFICATION
For a Diamond to be real, it must possess some inclusions. These inclusions are visible by naked eye or under magnification. If no inclusions, black spots or milk patches are visible in a Diamond then either it is a zirconia or piece of glass. Diamonds which do not have any inclusions under 50x magnification are very rare and can be found with collectors only. The small black spots visible in Diamonds are crystals of Graphite or other forms of Carbon. These black spots shine under light. Diamonds have an affinity for grease, the surface of a cut Diamond will generally have a film of grease if it has been handled. The most important test of a diamond is that all light entering the front of the stone is totally reflected from the back facets, which form a series of mirrors. A well-cut diamond, if viewed from the back and held up to the light, will show only a pinpoint of light from the culet. In addition, looking down on a brilliant-cut diamond, one cannot see the wearer's finger beneath the stone, as can be seen with other stones. White light entering a diamond is dispersed into a spectrum of colours, giving flasks of different colours from the smaller crown facets. ZIRCON Gomedh or Hessonite (for Rahu)
The shadow planet Rahu is supposed to be responsible for all sorts of delays or very late fulfillment of ambitions. Gomedh can help in achieving speedy success in less time than expected. Gomedh also improves dealing with people and protects its wearer from sudden misfortunes. This is normally reddish-chocolate in colour. Gomedh is cold in nature. It cures diseases caused by affliction of Rahu and Saturn. It also increases appetite, vitality, confers good health, wealth and happiness and all round prosperity. It is said to be the best gem to avert stomach ailments, disaster, insanity, and evil spirits. It should be used in silver on Saturday on 2nd finger of right hand. The weight should be 6, 11, 13 grams. PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Its name comes from Greek 'esson' meaning 'inferior', since these gems are supposed to be less valuable. Gomedh is a Gem of the Garnet family. Magnets can pull these Gems, which is a very special phenomenon, as magnets otherwise pull only certain metals. Chemically it is known as Grossular (3CaO.Al2O3.3SiO2). It is found in number of colours like green and pink, but generally it is orange brown. It has a hardness of 7.25 on the Moh's Scale, specific gravity is 3.65 and Refractive Index is 1.74. OCCURRENCE
It is available in abundance. It is found in India, Sri Lanka, Brazil, Australia, Tanzania, South Africa, Burma, Mexico, Russia, Italy, Kenya, Canada, U.S.A, and Malaysia. In India it is found in Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, Rajasthan and Bihar. Gaya mines in Bihar are the biggest source of this gem. Recently, very good quality of this Gem has been found in Orissa. IDENTIFICATION
This Gem contains inclusions which look like scattered islands or flat bubbles. The colour is like honey shining under a ray of light. The inside, when viewed under magnification looks like a thick sticky liquid and certain areas look out of shape with lesser transparency. CAT'S EYE Lehsuniya (for Ketu)
This protects its wearer from hidden enemies, mysterious dangers and diseases. It is normally milky in colour. The gem is very hot in nature. In the event that it does not suit the wearer, the gem sometimes gives immediate signals like uneasiness, restlessness etc. Cat's Eye is supposed to counter the evil effects of Ketu and diseases caused by Mars. It may prevent unexpected mishaps of life, curing mania, paralysis etc. It protects the wearer from accidents and secret enemies. For businessmen, it is a miraculous result-giving stone, bestowing wealth by secret means like horse racing, gambling, stock exchange market and speculations. It also protects from drowning, intoxication, and Government punishment. It is said to bring fortunes to those who gamble (horseracing, casinos) and should be worn in gold on 2nd finger or 3rd finger of right hand. The weight should be 3, 5 or 7 grams. PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Cat's Eye is a gem which displays a band of light at the top which moves when the gem is tilted. The Mineral is chemically known as Chrysoberyl (BeO.Al2O3). The chemical bonding is rhombic. It is generally found in greenish, brownish, yellowish and colourless shades. It has a specific gravity of 3.71 and hardness of 8.5 on the Moh's scale. It is a fairly hard material which wears well as a ring stone, although it is brittle. OCCURRENCE
Cat's Eye is found in Sri Lanka, Brazil and India on a very big scale. It is also found in South Africa, Russia, Burma and U.S.A. In India, it has been found in a very big way in Orissa. It is also found in Kerela, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Bihar. IDENTIFICATION
Being an opaque gem poses certain difficulties in differentiating the natural gem from artificial material. One striking difference that one can tell after some experience of seeing natural Cat's Eye Gems is that the artificial Cat's Eye will be too clear and the Cat's Eye effect will be too marked. But a closer examination under magnification will show signs of a natural gem – like small marks, grains of stone and the small irregularies below the polished surface. The lower part of a Cat's Eye is not polished but only ground, so one can see the roughness of the stone there. PEARL Mukta (for Moon)
One who possesses or wears a good pearl enjoys the blessings of Laksmi, the goddess of prosperity. This blessed one will live long and become free of evil, developing vitality and intelligence. He or she will achieve much renown and come to a high position due to the wisdom endowed by the pearl. PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
The best pearls are moonlike, shining white in colour, with a perfectly round, globular shape. They should be compact, with a high specific gravity, spotless and free from blemishes. The appearance should be lustrous and smooth. Pearls may be white, giving spiritual gifts, rosy, giving intelligence and power, yellow, bringing material prosperity. Black pearls are rare, but are not ideal for development. Coppery or non-lustrous, dirty, cracked, misshapen or otherwise defective pearls should be avoided as they are inauspicious. OCCURRENCE
Pearls are found in Sri Lanka, India, Persian Gulf, Venezuela, Mexico and Australia. Australian pearls are generally considered less desirable. Sri Lankan pearls are considered the best, though pearls from Bahrain are highly prized. In India the best pearls come from Bay of Bengal and fom Tuticorin in South India. IDENTIFICATION
Pearls grow inside oysters and rarely elsewhere (bamboo, cobra, conch etc). Today cultured pearls are available which may be distinguished from genuine pearls by the bore, which is unifom in the genuine, but thin at the start and wide in the middle in the cultured pearl. Another difference is the structure, which is concentric in the genuine pearl, but parallel in the cultured. Natural pearls are also available. These are created like cultured pearls by the intentional insertion of foreign matter into the oyster, but mother-of-pearl is used rather than glass bead. Natural pearls are better than cultured pearls, but both are acceptable if a genuine pearl is unavailable. Imitation pearls made from fish scales are also sold, but these are not suitable for our purposes. Misshapen or otherwise defective pearls are not suitable either, although very small genuine pearls (too small for jewellery) may be powdered and used for medicinal purposes. One very important factor, which anyone trying to identify a Gem should note, is that some "faults" are always present in a genuine Gem – their absence and not their presence should be a cause for concern. However, as a rule, any Gem should be shaped in a pleasing manner, lustrous, of pure colour and fine texture. Pearls in particular should not be misshapen. Gems can be worn by various methods according to your believe eg :-
1. Date of Birth
2. Numerology
3. Alphabets
4. Month
5. Star color
6. Dream Interpreting
7. According to your will
Still a lot more...
