BIRTHSTONES

Varahamihira in Brihat Samhita (adhyayas 80 to 83 ) refers to gems and their examination.Gems said to be born of the bones of the demon Bala while some opine they were born of sage Dadheechi or characteristic qualities of the earth. List given by him includes diamond, sapphire, emerald, agate, ruby, bloodstone,beryl, amethyst, vimalaka, quartz, pearl, sughandika, opal, conch, azure. Topaz, brahma gem, jyoteerasa, sasyaka, coral, moonstone.

Diamonds that show scratches like crow-feet (kaakapadam), bees or hair , are mixed with colored minerals substances or gravel, have double facets, are burnt, discolored, lusterless or perforated, are inauspicious. So are those that are covered with bubbles, split at the points, flattened, or oblong. Diamonds that are triangular, triginal and like the coriander seed or the buttocks are productive of good results to ladies desirind male offspring. Best pearls are those that are got from pearl-oysters.

SPECTRUM

Everyone who went to school or otherwise is aware of the word SPECTRUM. When white light passes through a prism, the emergent beam is composed of seven (7) different colors, commonly known as the acronym VIBGYOR i.e., Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, and Violet in the reverse order.

Birthstones and their health significance