Classification of Gems

Gems of Marthyaloka are divided into 3 parts:
1.Navaratanas
2.Pancharatnas
3.Uparatnas


The Navaratnas are 9 gems assigned to the Navagrahas (Nine Grahas) which are used for the propagation of the Navagrahas and for getting beneficial results.

According to Brihat Jataka, the Mani-mala verse 79 and the Jataka Parijata Chap. 2, Sloka21:

MaaNikyaM taraNeH sujaatyamamalaM
muktaaphalaM shiitagoH
Maaheyasya cha vidrumaM marakataM
saumyasya gaarutmatama
Devejyasya cha puShparaajamasuraachaaryasya vajraM

shaneH NiilaM nirmalamanyayoshcha gadite
gomedavaiduuryake.


It means that...Ruby is for Surya, Pearl for the Chandra, Red Coral for Mangala, Emerald for Budha, Yellow sapphire for Guru, Diamond for Shukra, Blue sapphire for Shani, Hessonite (Gomedha) for Rahu Cat's Eye (Vaidurya) for Ketu.


The Panchratnas are called as Maha Ratnas, they are:
1.Pearl
2.Diamond
3.Blue Sapphire
4.Emerald
5.Ruby


The Uparathnas are semi-precious gemstones, some of them are used instead of the Navaratnas, they are:
1.Topaz
2.Quartz
3.Zircon
4.Jade
5.Moonstone