Navratna · Manikya
Ruby
The king of gems. Warm, commanding, and the stone of the Sun.
- Graha
- Sun (Surya)
- Colour
- Pigeon-blood red
- Hardness
- 9 Mohs
- Metal
- Gold (yellow)
- Finger
- Ring finger
- Day
- Sunday
In the cabinet
Ruby is corundum coloured by chromium. The most prized stones show a vivid pigeon-blood red with a lively silk of rutile. We source untreated and heat-treated material with full disclosure, and set only those that hold colour in daylight and incandescent light alike.
In the tradition
In the Navratna, ruby stands for Surya. Classical texts associate it with vitality, honour, and a clear sense of purpose. It is traditionally worn on the ring finger in gold, on a Sunday morning after due consultation.
Traditional benefits
- A clear sense of purpose and the courage to be seen
- Name, rank, and the warmth of a well-run household
- Stamina for long work — the stone of the king in the tray
Ruby is a strong stone. It is not a tonic, and it is not for every chart. If a reader has asked you to wait, we wait.
Explore all nine Navratna benefitsUsual origins. Mozambique, Myanmar, Thailand, Madagascar
A note from the counter. Ask to see the stone in north daylight before you decide. Colour that only lives under spotlights will disappoint at home.
