Manikya
Ruby, the gemstone of Surya
Manikya is the gemstone of Surya, the Sun, and the first of the nine Navratna stones. The colour that defines it is a saturated crimson with a faint blue undertone, known in the trade as pigeon blood. Burmese material from the Mogok valley remains the reference standard, though fine rubies also come from Mozambique and Madagascar.
In Vedic tradition Manikya is worn to strengthen a weak Sun, and is associated with confidence, authority and vitality.
The stone itself
- Planet
- Sun / Surya
- Rashi
- Leo / Simha
- Hardness
- 9.0 Mohs
- Colour
- Deep Crimson Red
- Usual cut
- Oval Brilliant
- Classic origin
- Mogok Valley, Myanmar
What to check before you pay
Most rubies on the market are heat treated to improve colour. Unheated stones are far scarcer and carry a significant premium, so the certificate should state the treatment explicitly rather than leaving it blank. Check that the report names the lab, the stone weight and the treatment, and that the weight on the report matches the stone you are shown.
Traditional wearing guidance
As practised in Vedic tradition. Your astrologer’s instruction takes precedence over any general rule.
- Metal
- Gold or copper
- Finger
- Ring finger
- Day
- Sunday, at sunrise
