The Nine Jyotish Gems and Their Corresponding Vedic Planets

By Tiffany April Raines, Certified Gemstone Advisor of Astrological Gem International

At Astrological Gem, we hear time and time again from gemstone wearers about the results they notice from top-quality Vedic gemstones.  These results are traditionally in alignment with the qualities of the planet that the gemstone represents.  The gemstones for Vedic Astrology are believed to channel the frequency of the nine Grahas, or celestial influences, as originally documented and referenced thousands of years ago when the study of Jyotish (Vedic Astrology) began.  We will explore the significations of these grahas, and their corresponding gemstones, below.

1. Sun

The Sun is the planet of life force.  In the most literal sense, the Sun is the source of vitality.  The Sun is also directly related to one’s highest sense of self, and the highest sense of father figures.  In religions all over the world, the Sun is depicted in this way, representing authority and divine potential.

Corresponding Astrological Gemstone: Ruby. When Sun is a beneficial influence the Jyotish chart, it can be strengthened with a Vedic Ruby. (Red Spinel and Rhodolite Garnet are secondary choices.)  Ruby is traditionally worn for increased brightness, brilliance, fame, respect as an authority figure, integration with the divine and the highest sense of Self, benefit to father figures, and personal power.

2. Moon

Like the Sun, Moon is also directly related to the Self.  Moon, though, is the physiological self.  The Moon signifies our emotions – it is watery, changing, cyclical energy.  The Moon also relates to mother figures, and our higher intuition.

Corresponding Astrological Gemstone: Pearl. When Moon is a beneficial influence in a Jyotish chart, a Vedic pearl is traditionally worn to strengthen it, for emotional balance, peace, intuition, benefit to mother figures, benefit to home life, and sometimes benefit to vehicles and transportation as well.  Strengthening the Moon is frequently described as soothing, calming, and balancing when achieved by wearing a top-quality pearl.

3. Mercury

Mercury directly relates to the mind, and to communication.  It is the planet of words, speech, business transactions, numbers, travel, and humor.

Corresponding Astrological Gemstone: Emerald.  When Mercury is a beneficial planet in a Jyotish chart, it can be strengthened with a Vedic Emerald. (Green Tourmaline and Peridot are secondary choices.)  The reported benefits of a powerful emerald usually revolve around clarity – better communication skills, enhanced speech and writing, and clearer thinking are commonly experienced results.  It is said to enhance business success, sense of humor, efficient travel, and rapid processing of information.

4. Mars

Mars is the planet of physical endurance, assertiveness, courage, and overcoming battles.  Because Mars is associated with war, it is considered one of the natural malefic planets in Vedic Astrology.  However, it can also be helpful for certain Jyotish ascendants.

Corresponding Astrological Gemstone: Red Coral. If Mars is a beneficial influence in the Jyotish chart, a Vedic red coral is traditionally worn to strengthen Mars, for an increase in vitality, motivation, strength, courage, athletic ability, power, and victory.

5. Venus

Venus is the planet of love according to Vedic Astrology.  It also overlords creativity, fine arts, beauty, gemstones, jewelry, luxury, romance, marriage, the reproductive system, opulence, and refinement of the senses.

Corresponding Astrological Gemstone: Diamond.  If Venus is a beneficial influence in a Jyotish chart, it can be strengthened with Vedic Diamonds. (White Sapphire, White Zircon, and Phenakite are secondary choices.)  Diamonds are traditionally worn for healthier relationships, increased creative potential, more luxury, and more personal refinement.  Venus also signifies the health and well-being of the wife, and women in general.

6. Saturn

Saturn is one of the most misunderstood planets in Vedic Astrology. Many people are fearful of its power, because its influence is weighty, heavy, and tangible.  Saturn can bring consequence, but it’s usually in response to idleness, laziness, incoherence, or carelessness in a person’s life.  Like Mars, strengthening Saturn with gemstones should be done on a case-by-case basis.  In Jyotish, excellent results are believed possible if channeling Saturn energy into the body is done wisely. (Read more about blue sapphire effects and benefits here.)

Corresponding Astrological Gemstone: Blue Sapphire. If Saturn is a beneficial influence in a Jyotish chart, it can be strengthened with a Vedic blue sapphire. (Blue Spinel, Iolite, and Amethyst are secondary choices.) In Jyotish, strengthening Saturn is believed to increase focus, discipline, work ethic, routine, organization, commitment, and follow-through.  Saturn in its auspicious form represents some of the highest qualities of humanity, such as spiritual practice and long term self-discipline.  Saturn rewards us greatly when discipline and humility are actively practiced, and blue sapphire is said to increase commitment to these areas of self-betterment.

7. Jupiter

Jupiter is considered one of the greatest benefics, or beneficial influences in Vedic Astrology.  Where Saturn is often associated with constriction, Jupiter is associated with expansion.  Jupiter represents the benevolent, generous side of humanity.  Known as Guru in Sanskrit, it is signified as great wisdom, enlightenment, abundance, happiness, and spiritual mastery.

Corresponding Astrological Gemstone: Yellow Sapphire.  If Jupiter is a beneficial influence in a Jyotish chart, it can be strengthened with a Vedic yellow sapphire. (Yellow topaz and citrine are secondary choices.)  Yellow sapphire is traditionally worn for wealth, expansiveness, education, wisdom, health of children, enlightenment, fortune, education, and generosity.  Jupiter also signifies the health and well-being of husband figures.

8. Rahu

Rahu and Ketu are not actually planets, but technically, mathematical points in space.  They are responsible for eclipses, which may be why they are commonly referred to as “shadow planets.”  Rahu and Ketu are equal and opposing forces, orbiting the astrological chart in direct aspect of each other, sometimes creating havoc when they are active in transit or prevalent in the Jyotish chart.  Rahu signifies material goods, deception, fame, intoxication, and attachment.

Corresponding Astrological Gemstone: Hessonite. A powerful Vedic Hessonite is traditionally worn to strengthen Rahu, at its best for fame and wealth.  Some choose to wear it for protection.  We believe that this gemstone may produce side effects if not carefully prescribed, especially if one is not in a Rahu mahadasha (planetary period), so we recommend verifying the anticipated results carefully with your Vedic Astrologer before wearing.

9. Ketu

Ketu is the south node of the moon, and signifies enlightenment, liberation, spiritual development, non-attachment, and non-material/invisible influences.

Corresponding Astrological Gemstone: Cat’s Eye (Chrysoberyl).  A powerful Vedic Cat’s Eye is traditionally worn to strengthen Ketu, at its best for spiritual development, higher knowledge, transcendence, and connection to the divine.  We believe that this gemstone may produce side effects if not carefully prescribed, especially if one is not in a Ketu mahadasha (planetary period), so we recommend verifying the anticipated results carefully with your Vedic Astrologer before wearing.

Further benefits and significations of Astrological Gemstones can be determined on a case-by-case basis, by looking at the individual Jyotish chart of the wearer.

View our complete astrological gemstone collection here.

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Tiffany April Raines is the Head of Sales at Astrological Gem International. Trained at the American College of Vedic Astrology and certified as a gemstone advisor through the Planetary Gemologists Association, she has been serving the Vedic Astrology community with research-based gemstone insight and advice for over 10 years. She can be contacted at tiffany@astrologicalgem.com.

Please note: In order to provide the most time and best service possible for our paying customers, we are no longer able to respond to all of the requests we receive for gemstone recommendations. We welcome you instead to try our Free Gem Report if you are still in the learning and research phase of your Jyotish gemstone journey. This can be found at AstrologicalGemstones.com.