Gemstone by rashi: which stone is linked to your sign, and the catch

Gemstones are one of the most asked about remedies in Indian astrology. Each stone is tied to a planet. The popular lists match stones to your Moon sign, but astrologers who prescribe them look further.

The planet and its stone

• Sun: ruby (manik).
• Moon: pearl (moti).
• Mars: red coral (moonga).
• Mercury: emerald (panna).
• Jupiter: yellow sapphire (pukhraj).
• Venus: diamond or white sapphire.
• Saturn: blue sapphire (neelam).
• Rahu: hessonite (gomed).
• Ketu: cat’s eye (lehsunia).

The stone by Moon sign

By the ruling planet of each sign: Mesh and Vrishchik link to coral, Vrishabh and Tula to diamond or white sapphire, Mithun and Kanya to emerald, Kark to pearl, Simha to ruby, Dhanu and Meen to yellow sapphire, and Makar and Kumbh to blue sapphire.

The catch

A stone strengthens its planet. That helps only if the planet is good for your chart. Astrologers usually choose the stone by the lagna lord, the planet of the running dasha and the yogakaraka, and they test its effect first. A stone for the wrong planet can bring discomfort instead of benefit.

Buy carefully

• Ask a trusted astrologer to read the full chart first.
• Buy a natural, untreated stone with a lab certificate from a reputable seller.
• Wear it on the finger and metal the astrologer advises, and watch how you feel for the first few weeks.

A gemstone is an extra, not a fix. Good habits, skills and honest work do more for most people than any stone.