Gomed
Hessonite, the gemstone of Rahu
Gomed is the gemstone of Rahu, the north lunar node, and is a variety of grossular garnet. The colour runs from cinnamon through honey to a deep orange brown, and the characteristic treacle like swirl inside the stone is a natural identifying feature rather than a flaw.
In Vedic tradition Gomed is worn to settle Rahu, and is associated with mental clarity and protection from confusion.
The stone itself
- Planet
- Rahu / Rahu
- Rashi
- Aquarius / Virgo
- Hardness
- 6.5 to 7.5 Mohs
- Colour
- Honey Orange
- Usual cut
- Oval Brilliant
- Classic origin
- Sri Lanka and East Africa
What to check before you pay
Hessonite is rarely treated, which makes it one of the more straightforward Navratna stones to buy. The main things to check are colour saturation, which should be lively rather than muddy, and eye clean transparency in the face up position. Spessartite garnet is sometimes offered in its place at a higher price.
Traditional wearing guidance
As practised in Vedic tradition. Your astrologer’s instruction takes precedence over any general rule.
- Metal
- Silver
- Finger
- Middle finger
- Day
- Saturday, in the evening
