Gemstones in Ayurveda: History, Characteristics, and Uses
Ayurveda and Rasaśāstra (the classical alchemical branch) have long valued gemstones (ratna) for their medicinal virtues. Ancient texts from the Vedic and medieval eras – e.g. the Bṛhat Saṃhitā, Rasaśāstra and specialized gems treatises (Ratnaśāstra by Agastya, Rasaratna-samuccaya, etc.) – list dozens of stones and prescribe their use. For example, Charaka (Caraka) himself cites gems for “prolonging lifespan and promoting ideal health”. Gems are classified by origin: khaṇija (mineral, e.g. ruby, cat’s-eye), praṇija (animal, e.g. pearl, coral) and vanaśpātika (plant-like, e.g. amber, opal). High-quality gems (rarity, hardness, purity) are prized as tonics and rasāyanas; impurities or color defects (grāsa, traṇa, bindu) render a stone unsuitable. Rasaśāstra teaches careful purification (śodhana) by leaching and heating (often with lemon juice, cow’s urine or herbal decoctions) and turning gems into fine powders (bhasma), pastes (piśṭi) or elixirs (dhruti) for ingestion. Processed gemstones are typically “cool” (śīta) in energy and must be treated gently (Anāgni-pūṭa) to preserve potency.
Traditionally each gem is associated with doshas and planets. Classical sources enumerate the nine ratna of astrology (navaratna) – ruby, pearl, coral, emerald, yellow topaz, diamond, sapphire, zircon and cat’s-eye – assigned to the nine grahas (Sun, Moon, Mars, etc.). Ayurveda views these gems as carrying the influence of their respective planets, so wearing or consuming the correct gem can balance dosha (doṣa) imbalances in tune with planetary cycles. Modern Ayurvedic practitioners often still honor this tradition (albeit cautiously), recommending gems for rejuvenation (rasāyana) and dosha pacification rather than “fortune telling.” For example, Maharishi Ayurveda’s light-therapy uses gem colors to align consciousness, and classic texts note gems’ use in making mercury (parada) preparations and deity offerings. In all cases, use is individualized: only high-grade, ethically sourced gems (properly “charged” and purified) are applied, typically as rings, amulets or in medicinal powders/elixirs with milk or honey.
Properties and Use of Gemstones in Ayurveda
Ruby (Manikya)
A deep red corundum (Al₂O₃), the ruby is warm and strengthening, and symbolizes the sun. Ayurvedic texts describe it as sweet (madhura) and unctuous (snigdha), a heart tonic and aphrodisiac (vṛṣya,hṛdya) that boosts appetite and vitality. It is said to promote blood and semen (balya, medhya), improve digestion (dīpanam) and mental clarity, and to alleviate chronic wasting diseases (kṣaya). Ruby is considered tridoṣa-hara (pacifying all three doshas) but especially calms Vāta and Pitta in excess. In practice, ruby is worn as a set stone (in gold) or taken as manikya piśṭi — a purified powder — for rejuvenation (rāśayana). It is traditionally dosed in very small amounts (mg) and often combined with saffron or sandalwood.
Pearl (Mukta)
Formed in oysters (CaCO₃), pearls are white, nourishing gems of cold potency (śīta vīrya). Ayurvedic attributes: sweet (madhura rasa), light (laghu) and cooling (śīśira); it pacifies Pitta and Rakta (blood), helping to alleviate heat-related imbalances and inflammatory conditions. Pearl is famed for clearing heat and poison: it enhances complexion (varṇya), strengthens digestion (agni-puṣṭikara), and helps remove toxins (viṣahara). It acts as a mild laxative (bhedi), carminative (dīpan), and cardiotonic (hṛdya), useful in cough, asthma and eye disorders. Pearl paste (mukta piśṭi) is used to calm fevers (especially hemorrhagic Pitta like raktapitta), improve vision and longevity, and even lessen sterility (vṛṣya). Dosha: pearls pacify Pitta–Kapha, so they are given when heat or congestion predominates. Traditionally pearls are made into a fine piśṭi or bhasma (Purified pearl ash), or strung as rosaries; few Ayurvedic formulas include “rājasandhāna” pearls for Rasāyana tonics.
Emerald (Panna/Marakata)
A green beryl compound (Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈) that “calms Mercury (Budha)”. Emerald is celebrated for stabilizing the nervous system and detoxification. Ayurvedic verses note its efficacy in fevers (jvara), vomiting (chardi), poisoning (viṣa), cough/asthma (śvāsa), mixed fevers (sannipāta), weak digestion (mandagni) and anemia (pāṇḍu). It is said to bolster Ojas (vital essence) and strengthen sexual vigor. Emerald tends to pacify Vāta and kapha-dominant Pitta disorders (e.g. digestive fevers, asthma). In practice, it is used as an oil (emerald bhasma in ghee), or carried. Astrologically linked to Mercury, it is often worn by those seeking cognitive clarity or relief from poisoning and bile disorders.
Coral (Pravāla)
Red coral (marine calcium carbonate) is an opaque deep-red gem. It is valued as a primal Kapha-Pitta pacifier. Ayurvedic classics praise rakta (red) coral for “kṣaya-pitta-śamak, nītra-doṣa-nāśanam, dīpanam pācanam, laghu”. In practice, coral is used to strengthen the lungs and digestion and to stop bleeding.
Yellow Topaz (Pushparāga)
Often identified with pukhraj (yellow sapphire) or topaz, a yellow corundum. It is light, digestive (dīpana-pācana) and considered a rājyottama gem for rejuvenation. Rasaśāstra describes pushparāga (puṣparāga) as deepana (digestive stimulant), śukra-vṛṣya (aphrodisiac), and useful in poisons (viṣa), vomiting, Kapha/Vāta disorders, poor appetite (agnimandya), burning (dāha) and skin diseases (kuṣṭha). Thus it calms excessive Vāta–Kapha heat. In Ayurveda, yellow sapphire is often given for liver and gallbladder support, fever, rheumatism and men’s health. It is typically worn as a ring (touching the skin) or made into piśṭi; ancient practice also impregnated it into medicated ghee (rajasandhāna).
Diamond (Vajra/Heeraka)
The hardest gem, composed only of carbon (C) arranged in a lattice, symbolizes Venus. Ayurveda regards diamond as tridoṣa-hara: it pacifies Vāta, Pitta and Kapha, and is a supreme longevity (aiśvarya) tonic. Verse: “āyuṣ-pradaṃ jhaṭiti śadguṇaṃ ca vṛṣyaṃ doṣatrayapraśamanaṃ… amṛtopamameva vajrama”. That is, diamond instantly promotes longevity, strength (balya) and virility, calms all doshas and cures chronic wasting (śoṣa, kṣaya), fistulas (bhagandara), diabetes (prameha), anemia (pāṇḍu) and edema (śotha). Modern bhasma of diamond is used sparingly in specialty rasāyanas for deep rejuvenation. Because of its solar/venusian heat, diamond is used only after thorough śodhana, often by daśaprāṇa pañcāṅga observances.
Blue Sapphire (Nīlam/Indrāṇīla)
A blue corundum (Al₂O₃), Saturn’s gem. Its qualities include: vātasūsa-kāśahara (resolves cough and asthma), vṛṣya (aphrodisiac), tridoṣaghna (pacifies all three doshas), sudīpana (stimulant) and rasāyana. Modern commentary adds it is medhya (intellect-promoting) and hṛdya. It relieves chronic respiratory and circulatory complaints and clears bodily toxins (viṣahara). Because it balances Vāta–Pitta, nīlam is used for insomnia, epilepsy, digestive sluggishness, nervous exhaustion and skin diseases. Traditionally one wears blue sapphire on the middle finger — which is also associated with Saturn— or consumes it as bhasma for nerve and bone marrow nourishment.strong
Zircon (Gomed/Gomedaka)
A white or light-colored stone, “like the fat of a cow”. It is Rahu’s gemstone and emphasizes Kapha–Pitta balance. Rasaśāstra says “gomedaṃ kaphapittaghnaṃ kṣayapāṇḍu… dīpanaṃ pācanaṃ rucyaṃ tvacyaṃ buddhiprabodhanam”. In practice, zircon pacifies Kapha/Pitta (helps asthma, ulcers, indigestion), cures anemia and fatigue (kṣaya, pāṇḍu), acts as digestive carminative, benefits skin health and awakens mental alertness. Its cool, clear light makes it a general tonic. Ayurvedic preparations like gomeda piśṭi are used for obesity (medovriddhi) and blood disorders. Locally known as “jawarmohra,” it is used in pituitary and menstrual treatments.
Cat’s Eye (Vaiḍūrya)
Chrysoberyl with chatoyance (goḍā-lakṣa), associated with Ketu. Chatoyance is otherwise known as «effet œil de chat», i.e. “cat-eye effect”. Ayurvedic scripture gives it the attributes:
Moonstone (Chandrakanta)
Literally “beloved of the Moon,” a feldspar (or white adularia) that glows like moonlight. Ayurveda regards it as unctuous, very cooling and sweet. It is used mainly to calm Pitta-related heat (especially hemorrhages like raktapitta) and relieve burning sensations. The heart benefits: it is considered hṛdya (heart-nourishing). In practice, moonstone powder (or wearing moonstone) is given for insomnia, anxiety and gynecological issues (menstrual irregularity), owing to its lunar, soothing energy. Its śīta-virya and kapha-balancing effect make it unique among gems.
Lapis Lazuli (Rājāvarta)
A blue sodalite gem (lapis lazuli) from Afghanistan/Kashmir. Known as Rājāvarta, it is an uparatna used for Kapha–Vāta ailments. Texts describe it as digestive (dīpana) and aphrodisiac (vṛṣya), a rejuvenative rasāyana. It is specifically indicated in diabetes (prameha), tuberculosis (kṣaya), piles (ārśa) and anemia (pāṇḍuroga). Lapis is thought to open the throat and heart chakras, improving communication and vitality. Ayurvedic use: worn or taken as piśṭi during Saturn-Mercury remedies, often for boosting Ojas and treating water-retention (medo dhatu vṛddhi).
Tourmaline (Vaikraṇṭa/Fluorite)
A semi-precious (fluorite/tourmaline) classed as vaikraṇṭa. Modern Ayurveda (and research) notes its bhasma is medhya (brain tonic), balya and rasāyana. It improves appetite, memory and overall immunity. According to vaikranta-sattvāpaṭana texts, it “destroys many diseases” and is used as a general health tonic. (Planetary: often linked to Saturn/Mercury.) Practitioners today may use vaikranta powder for mental fatigue, chronic debility or in Manasādhāraṇaṇi formulations for mental clarity.
Onyx (Palanka)
Jade (Pilu/Vyomasmā)
Jade (nephrite) is noted as a minor gem in Rasāśāstra. Ayurveda views jade as cooling and stabilizing. It is sometimes used topically in massage stones or given internally as vaivarnya (complexion-enhancing) medicine.
Turquoise (Pairojaka/Manī)
A blue-green copper-aluminum phosphate. Classical lists include pāyroja (turquoise) among semi-precious stones. In Ayurveda it is believed to aid Vāta disorders of the throat and mind. Turquoise is considered medhya and soothing, often used in jewelry against nervous headaches. (Direct classical citations for its use are scarce, but it is long linked to Mercury and the throat region in traditional practice.)
Among other semi-precious stones (upa-ratnas) are palāṅka (onyx), rudhiraṃ (carnelian), puttika (peridot), sāṅki (opal/chalcedony), sugandhika (spinel) etc. These are mentioned in texts as well, generally sharing the properties of the major gems (e.g. opal/upala similar to pearl, spinel to sapphire). In modern Ayurvedic practice, practitioners may employ these minor stones sparingly for similar dosha-balancing and tonic effects.
Integration with Jyotiṣ and Modern Ayurveda
While Ayurveda treats gemstones primarily for their medicinal qualities, it has always acknowledged Jyotiṣ (astrology). Many classical works simply note that certain gems correspond to the navagraha and can “mitigate their ill-effects”. Today this is often a clinical sidelight rather than doctrine: an Ayurvedic doctor might, for instance, choose an emerald to pacify Mercury-related symptoms. External rituals (mantra, meditation) sometimes accompany gem therapy, but the mainstream use remains therapeutic.
In contemporary Ayurvedic practice, gem-therapy has seen a niche revival. Purified gem powders (bhasma/piśṭi) are still manufactured and prescribed in specialized rasāyana formulas. Some clinics employ “gem water” and light-therapy (e.g. Maharishi Light Therapy with Gems) to harness crystal energies. Modern research has even analyzed Vaikraṇṭa bhasma, confirming it as a memory-enhancing, immune-building rasāyana. Nonetheless, evidence-based medicine remains sparse, so Ayurvedic gem use today emphasizes tradition: only authenticated gems, thoroughly purified, are used in carefully dosed preparations, often alongside herbal treatments.
Conclusion
From ancient Vedic texts to modern holistic practices, gemstones in Ayurveda continue to offer a bridge between nature's intelligence and inner balance. Whether used to harmonize doshas, enhance spiritual awareness, or complement other therapies, these sacred stones invite us to reconnect with the subtle energies that support healing and transformation. As always, mindful selection and respectful use are key to unlocking their true potential.