Colourful, structured and precious, gemstones are basically minerals found organically in Earth. From adorning crowns and robes to being fixed on beautiful jewels, gemstones also represent wealth and power—more so because they are durable and scarce. They hold immense value in cultures across the world. But when it comes to astrology, the definition and use of gemstones go much further. Since ancient times, gemstones have been used for their healing properties in astrology. This includes Indian as well as Western astrology, which is why you’ll find that people across the world wear them for their benefits. 

If you are looking to know more about how gemstones are understood and used in astrology, and are wondering which one you need for your benefit, read on.

Gemmology and astrology
Gemstones have been mined and used as precious metals around the world, throughout history. According to the International Gem Society (IGS), gems have been incorporated into spiritual rituals across the world to restore energy fields, gain peace of mind, and to promote love and safety. In many belief systems and cultures, like in India, placing gemstones directly in contact with the skin can also promote healing. 

However, as the IGS points out, not all gemstones are safe to wear. Some, like realgar and ekanite, can contain heavy metals or radioactive elements, and prolonged exposure to such gems can do more harm than good. This is the primary reason why it’s crucial that you consult an astrologer and reputed jeweller before wearing any gemstones, whether it’s according to astrology or to adorn your body.

When it comes to Western astrology, especially in history, there are a few gems that are more popular than others. The UK’s Orion School & Foundation for Astrology (OSFA) reveals that amber, amethyst, and blue sapphire, according to Greek astrology, have brilliant curing properties. The ancient Romans used coral to ward off evil spirits. The ancient Chinese used conch and oyster shells to do the same. So, the use of gemstones in astrology, especially for spiritual benefits and healing, has been widespread and cross-sectional. 

Gemstones in Indian astrology
The use of gemstones in Indian astrology is rooted in the legend of a demon called Bali. Indra, the king of all gods, struck Bali on his head with his weapon, the Vajra. The demon shattered into millions of pieces of gems, which then fell from Indralok and scattered all over Earth. According to this legend, diamonds were born of Bali’s bones, pearls from his teeth, rubies from his blood drops, emerald from his gall bladder, blue sapphires from his eyes, lapis lazuli from his heart, karketan from his bone marrow, cat’s eye from his nails, rock crystal from his body fat, coral from his flesh, yellow sapphire from his skin, and bheesham from his semen. The legend goes further to explain that the Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, Rahu and Ketu—all major heavenly bodies and ruling planets in Vedic astrology—laid claim to some of these gemstones. This is the reason why it is believed that wearing these stones can enhance the strength of these nine heavenly bodies and their beneficial effects on humans.

So, according to Vedic astrology, each of the 27 Nakshatras, which are governed by these nine ruling planets, have an associated gemstone. If a person is born under any of these Nakshatras, they are prescribed gemstones which they must wear according to their ruling planet:

• Ashwini, Magha, Moola are ruled by Ketu, and hence must wear cat’s eye.

• Bharani, Poorva Phalguni, Poorvashada are ruled by Venus, and hence must wear diamond.

• Krittika, Uttar Phalguni, Uttarshada are ruled by Sun, and hence must wear ruby.

• Rohini, Hasta, Sravana are ruled by Moon, and hence must wear pearl.

• Mrigshira, Chitra, Dhanishta are ruled by Mars, and hence must wear red coral.

• Adra, Swati, Shatabhishsha are ruled by Rahu, and hence must wear hessonite.

• Punarvasu, Vishaka, Poorva Bhadrapad are ruled by Jupiter, and hence must wear yellow sapphire.

• Pushyami, Anuradha, Uttar Bhadrapad are ruled by Saturn, and hence must wear blue sapphire.

• Ashyesha, Jeshta, Revathi are ruled by Mercury, and hence must wear emerald.

Gemstones as per your zodiac sign
The system of gemstones according to birth signs is much simpler when it comes to Western astrology, and definitely more popular because those are the birth dates and signs we usually go by. The major difference between Vedic and Western astrology is the absence of Rahu and Ketu as heavenly bodies, which is why there are only seven ruling planets applicable here. Here is a list of zodiac signs, the ruling planet and the associated gemstone:

• Aries, ruled by Mars, must wear red coral

• Taurus, ruled by Venus, must wear diamond

• Gemini, ruled by Mercury, must wear emerald

• Cancer, ruled by Moon, must wear pearl

• Leo, ruled by Sun, must wear ruby

• Virgo, ruled by Mercury, must wear emerald

• Libra, ruled by Venus, must wear diamond

• Scorpio, ruled by Mars, must wear red coral

• Sagittarius, ruled by Jupiter, must wear yellow sapphire

• Capricorn, ruled by Saturn, must wear blue sapphire

• Aquarius, ruled by Saturn, must wear blue sapphire

• Pisces, ruled by Jupiter, must wear yellow sapphire

As you can clearly tell, despite small differences, Vedic and Western astrology adhere to a similar system of prescribing gemstones according to zodiac signs or birth Nakshatras. The system, therefore, looks quite simple. And yet, depending on your birth chart or kundli, there may be gemstones apart from those associated with your zodiac or Nakshatra that you may need to wear. To better understand which one of these gemstones you need to wear, when to wear them, how to wear them (location on your body can vary from fingers, arms, necks to waist), and for how long, consult a reliable astrologer who can make a birth chart for you and provide accurate or customised prescriptions.