The 9 color stones, also known as the 9 gemstones, refer to 9 different colored gemstones that are believed to have mystical and healing properties in some cultures. Each stone is associated with a different meaning and symbolic value.
The 9 Gemstones
The 9 gemstones and their symbolic meanings are:
| Stone | Color | Meaning |
| Ruby | Red | Love, passion, courage |
| Pearl | White | Purity, faith, innocence |
| Red coral | Red | Energy, warmth, vitality |
| Emerald | Green | Harmony, growth, rebirth |
| Yellow sapphire | Yellow | Wisdom, intellect, prosperity |
| Diamond | White | Light, strength, eternity |
| Blue sapphire | Blue | Devotion, calm, truth |
| Hessonite | Orange-brown | Creativity, confidence, positivity |
| Cat’s eye | Yellow-green | Intuition, foresight, protection |
Each of these 9 stones is believed to radiate a unique energy and vibration that can promote healing, luck, wisdom, and other positive qualities in the wearer when worn or kept close to the body.
History and Significance
The set of 9 gemstones has significance in Hindu Vedic astrology as well as ancient Ayurvedic medicine. In the navratna gem therapy of Ayurveda, each stone is associated with a celestial body, such as the Sun, Moon, or Jupiter.
Wearing specific stones is believed to amplify the cosmic energy and influences of these celestial bodies in one’s life. The 9 gemstones together are thought to promote overall wellbeing, success, and good fortune.
The selection of 9 stones has a connection to Hinduism and sacred numerology. 9 is considered a divine number, being the product of 3 (representing the trinity of divinity) multiplied by 3. The 9 planets referred to in Vedic astrology are the Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, Rahu (north lunar node), and Ketu (south lunar node).
In Vedic astrology, an analysis of a person’s natal chart and planetary positions is used to prescribe wearing certain gemstones to strengthen afflicted planets or enhance fortunate planets. Wearing the right gems is believed to confer the virtues and powers associated with the planet.
Ruby
Ruby is a red gemstone known for its brilliance and deep crimson or red color. The red color signifies its connection to passion, love, and the life force. In Vedic astrology, ruby is linked to the Sun, amplifying leadership, confidence, and vitality when worn.
The red hue comes from the presence of chromium in the gem. The most prized color is a deep pigeon blood red. Ruby rates 9 on the Mohs hardness scale so it is a very durable stone. The finest rubies are found in Myanmar and Thailand.
Due to its beauty and symbolism, ruby has long been considered a gem of kings and royalty. It was particularly esteemed in Asian cultures. Hindus saw it as the “gem of the sun”, representing Surya. Burmese warriors believed rubies made them invincible.
Ruby is traditionally given as a gift for a couple’s 15th or 40th wedding anniversary as its red color embodies lasting love and passion.
Pearl
Pearl is an organic gemstone created by mollusks like oysters and mussels. Natural saltwater pearls form when an irritant gets lodged in the mollusk’s body, stimulating it to secrete layers of lustrous nacre around the irritant.
Cultured pearls are made by surgically inserting a bead into the mollusk to induce nacre secretion. The luminous white color symbolizes purity, innocence, faith, and new beginnings. In Vedic astrology, pearl is connected to the Moon.
Pearls exhibit a luminous iridescence called orient, which refers to rainbow-colored reflections. The orient is affected by the thickness of the nacre coating. Pearls with high orient display more lustrous reflections.
Natural pearls are extremely rare, so most pearls on the market are cultured. Akoya pearls from Japan are known for their white color and brightness. South Sea and Tahitian pearls produce larger sizes with metallic hues.
Pearl necklaces and earrings are classic jewelry gifts, especially for new brides. June is the traditional birthstone for pearls, making it a popular choice for June birthdays and anniversaries.
Red Coral
Red coral is a marine gem that grows on the rocky sea bottom as exoskeletons of tiny polyps. Coral colonies can exist for centuries. The red coral stone used in jewelry is the calcareous skeletal material.
The warm red color represents the life force and vital energy. It is also said to aid blood circulation. In Hindu astrology, red coral is linked with Mars and thought to strengthen confidence, drive, and initiative.
Italian red coral is especially prized for its intense red to pink-orange hues. It is found in the Mediterranean sea at depths up to 1,000 feet. Red coral is somewhat soft (3.5-4 on the Mohs scale), so care is required when wearing jewelry.
Branching coral pieces are often carved into cameos or beads. Smooth round beads are traditional for mala prayer beads. Red coral is believed to calm the emotions and reduce anxiety.
Emerald
Emerald is a variety of beryl that gets its signature green color from trace amounts of chromium and sometimes vanadium. The rich green is symbolic of nature, fertility, renewal, and growth. In astrology, emerald is linked to the planet Mercury.
Colombian emeralds are renowned for their pure green colors resulting from abundant chromium. Zambian emeralds have a bluish-green tint due to higher vanadium content. Emerald crystals are often found with inclusions, so eye-clean stones are valuable.
The green fire of fine emeralds is unparalleled. Emeralds are also said to aid eyesight and have a calming effect. They make treasured anniversary gifts, especially for 20th and 35th year celebrations.
Emeralds have a hardness of 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale, making them relatively resilient. But their brittle crystal structure makes them prone to chipping from hard knocks. Hence emeralds are best suited for earrings, pendants, and brooches that get less daily wear and tear.
Yellow Sapphire
Yellow sapphire is a golden gem variety of the mineral corundum, consisting of trace iron and titanium impurities. Yellow symbolizes intellect and wisdom. In Hindu astrology, yellow sapphire represents Jupiter and enhances one’s spiritual focus.
Sapphires form in prismatic barrel-shaped crystals. Sri Lanka is an important source for yellow sapphire displaying a vivid golden yellow hue. Yellow sapphire ranks 9 on the Mohs scale, making it extremely durable for any kind of jewelry.
Other hues like golden-orange and honey-yellow are also popular. Yellow sapphire is said to aid wealth and prosperity. It helps balance the solar plexus and tap into one’s inner brilliance and creativity.
The beauty and durability of sapphire makes it ideal for engagement rings and other significant pieces. Kate Middleton's engagement ring from Prince William features a 12-carat oval blue sapphire.
Diamond
Diamond is the hardest known mineral with a rating of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale. Most diamonds form deep underground at high temperatures and pressures, before rising close to the earth’s surface through volcanic eruptions millions of years ago.
The crystalline structure of diamond gives it unparalleled brilliance through its ability to refract and disperse light. Diamond is traditionally thought to bring strength, fortitude, and protection. It holds a divine status in Hindu texts, said to amplify celestial light.
Natural diamonds contain impurities giving various tints like yellow, brown, blue, pink, or grey. Completely colorless stones are most rare. The cut, clarity, color, and carat weight determine a diamond’s value.
Major diamond mining regions include South Africa, Australia, Russia, Botswana, Angola, Canada, and Brazil. Diamonds are crafted into jewelry of all types but have special significance as engagement rings and eternity bands.
Blue Sapphire
Blue sapphire belongs to the corundum family, acquiring its sky blue color from trace amounts of iron and titanium. The deep blue has a soothing calming effect and symbolizes fidelity, sincerity, and truth. In Hindu astrology, blue sapphire is linked to Saturn.
Blue sapphires form as hexagonal crystals in metamorphic and igneous rocks. The most prized variety is the cornflower blue of Kashmir sapphires. Sri Lankan sapphires also display lovely blue shades. The Mohs hardness is 9, making it ideal for any jewelry.
Some believe blue sapphire helps open the throat chakra, improving communication and self-expression. Blue sapphire engagement rings are not as common as diamonds but offer a unique alternative.
The biggest advantage of sapphire is that it comes in a rainbow of colors beyond blue, from pink, yellow, and green to orange, purple, and black. The variety of hues suits different tastes and styles.
Hessonite
Hessonite garnet gets its warm honey-cinnamon color from manganese and iron impurities. The color resembles the prized honey-hued Shaytaneer stone described in Hindu, Buddhist, and Sikh texts. It is known as the stone of inner power and strength.
Astrologically, hessonite represents Rahu, the north node of the moon. It is thought to bring success and good luck. Ideally the stone should have a bright orange-yellow hue described as “cow’s urine color.”
Hessonite garnets have a vitreous resinous luster when polished. Small crystals are transparent while larger ones can be translucent. Hessonite has a hardness between 6.5-7 on the Mohs scale, suitable for most jewelry types except rings.
These garnets are found in metamorphic rocks like schist and marble. Important deposits are in India (Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu), Brazil, Canada, Madagascar, and Tanzania. Hessonite soothes stress and calms anger when worn.
Cat’s Eye
Cat’s eye gems display an optical phenomenon called chatoyancy, which produces a luminous band across the stone resembling a cat’s eye. This effect occurs due to parallel inclusions of fibrous asbestos or rutile needle crystals.
The most popular and affordable cat’s eye gem is chrysoberyl. Alexandrite, tourmaline, aquamarine, and apatite can also form as cat’s eye stones. The glittering eye is thought to ward off the evil eye. Astrologically, cat’s eye is linked to Ketu, the south lunar node.
For chatoyancy to occur, the cabochon cut must be oriented properly in jewelry to allow light to reflect across the inclusions. Cat’s eye is associated with intuition, hidden knowledge, and protection. It helps ground spiritual energies into the physical world.
Cat’s eye chrysoberyl is relatively soft at 8.5 on the Mohs scale. Hence it needs gentle handling. Burma produces the most fine-quality cat’s eye chrysoberyl with bright yellow-green colors.
Healing Properties
In crystal healing, each of the 9 gemstones carries unique vibrational energies that can help heal different aspects of the body, mind, and spirit.
Ruby is used to stimulate blood flow, resolve sexual dysfunction, and overcome exhaustion. Its red rays energize all chakras and amplify vitality.
Pearl strengthens hormonal systems and soothes stress. It filters negative energies and purifies the body’s meridians. Pearl powder is used in traditional medicine.
Red coral revitalizes and rejuvenates the body through its nurturing red rays. It helps reduce inflammation, fever, and skin ailments.
Emerald balances the heart chakra, aids recovery, stimulates the immune system, and improves vision and breathing.
Yellow sapphire builds optimism and spirituality. It releases mental tensions, boosts intelligence, and improves communication.
Diamond cleanses all chakras and glands. It strengthens the brain and boosts concentration. It helps glaucoma and healing from brain trauma.
Blue sapphire calms the mind and quiets mental chatter. It alleviates pain, treats skin diseases, and improves eyesight.
Hessonite increases self-respect and creativity. It improves digestion and nutrient assimilation. It also benefits the liver and relieves allergies.
Cat’s eye helps balance the solar plexus chakra, aids intuition, and dispels evil influences. It helps heal lung infections, pancreas issues, and nervous disorders.
Buying Guide
Here are some tips for buying the 9 gemstones:
- Consult an astrologer to prescribe gems suited to your energetics and horoscope.
- Buy certified natural gemstones from reputable jewelers.
- Check for quality hallmarks like AGTA or GIA.
- Know the 4Cs (cut, color, clarity, carat) that determine gem value.
- Favor eye-clean transparent stones with good luster and pleasing color.
- Pick a size suitable for the jewelry design (minimum 2 cts for rings).
- Compare prices online for the best value within budget.
- Buy loose gems to get them independently appraised.
- Opt for gemstone jewelry designed to maximize stone exposure.
- Clean regularly with mild soap, water, and a soft brush.
Conclusion
The 9 sacred gemstones of Hindu astrology and Ayurveda – ruby, pearl, red coral, emerald, yellow sapphire, diamond, blue sapphire, hessonite, and cat’s eye – have deep symbolic meaning and healing energetics. Each radiates specific vibrational frequencies to help attract positive forces and amplify one’s inherent strengths.
Consulting an expert Vedic astrologer to determine the gems suitable for your unique birth chart is recommended. Wearing your proper gemstones with faith and intention allows you to align with their potent cosmic powers and channel their blessings for growth, wellness and prosperity in all realms of life.