Pukhraj
Yellow Sapphire, the gemstone of Brihaspati
Pukhraj is the gemstone of Brihaspati, or Jupiter, and the most widely recommended stone in Vedic astrology. It is a yellow variety of corundum, the same mineral family as ruby and blue sapphire, which is why it shares their hardness of 9 and their durability in daily wear.
In Vedic tradition Pukhraj is worn to support Jupiter, and is associated with wisdom, learning and good fortune.
The stone itself
- Planet
- Jupiter / Brihaspati
- Rashi
- Sagittarius / Pisces
- Hardness
- 9.0 Mohs
- Colour
- Golden Yellow
- Usual cut
- Oval Brilliant
- Classic origin
- Sri Lanka
What to check before you pay
Heat treatment is standard and disclosed heat is not a problem for most buyers. Beryllium diffusion is a different matter, since it alters colour at depth and materially changes value, so the report should rule it out. Watch for citrine and yellow topaz sold as Pukhraj: both are far cheaper and neither is corundum.
Traditional wearing guidance
As practised in Vedic tradition. Your astrologer’s instruction takes precedence over any general rule.
- Metal
- Gold
- Finger
- Index finger
- Day
- Thursday, at sunrise
