Panna
Emerald, the gemstone of Budh
Panna is the gemstone of Budh, or Mercury. Colombian material from Muzo sets the colour benchmark, while Zambian emeralds tend to run slightly darker and bluer with better clarity. Emeralds are expected to contain inclusions. A flawless emerald is usually a warning sign rather than a triumph.
In Vedic tradition Panna is worn to strengthen Mercury, and is associated with intellect, speech and commercial judgement.
The stone itself
- Planet
- Mercury / Budh
- Rashi
- Gemini / Virgo
- Hardness
- 7.5 to 8.0 Mohs
- Colour
- Vivid Grass Green
- Usual cut
- Oval or Emerald Cut
- Classic origin
- Muzo, Colombia
What to check before you pay
Nearly all emeralds are treated with oil or resin to reduce the visibility of fractures. The question is not whether a stone is treated but how much, so look for a report grading the treatment as none, minor, moderate or significant. Avoid resin filled stones if you want long term stability, and never clean an emerald ultrasonically.
Traditional wearing guidance
As practised in Vedic tradition. Your astrologer’s instruction takes precedence over any general rule.
- Metal
- Gold or silver
- Finger
- Little finger
- Day
- Wednesday, at sunrise
