Gemstone Weight Guide
How Many Carats/Ratti to Wear for Maximum Astrological Benefits
In Vedic astrology, the weight of a gemstone is crucial for receiving proper planetary benefits. Wearing a gemstone that's too light may not produce desired effects, while one that's too heavy could cause an "overdose" of planetary energy - leading to imbalanced results.
The correct gemstone weight is calculated based on your body weight and the specific gemstone's density. Different gemstones have different recommended minimum weights because of their varying densities and the intensity of their associated planetary energies.
This comprehensive guide covers the recommended weight for all Navratna gemstones, Ratti to Carat conversion, body weight calculations, and factors that affect how much weight you actually need.
Ratti to Carat Conversion Chart
1 Ratti = 0.91 Carats = 182 mg | 1 Carat = 1.1 Ratti = 200 mg
| Ratti | Carats | Milligrams |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Ratti | 0.91 ct | 182 mg |
| 2 Ratti | 1.82 ct | 364 mg |
| 3 Ratti | 2.73 ct | 546 mg |
| 4 Ratti | 3.64 ct | 728 mg |
| 5 Ratti | 4.55 ct | 910 mg |
| 6 Ratti | 5.46 ct | 1092 mg |
| 7 Ratti | 6.37 ct | 1274 mg |
| 8 Ratti | 7.28 ct | 1456 mg |
| 9 Ratti | 8.19 ct | 1638 mg |
| 10 Ratti | 9.1 ct | 1820 mg |
Recommended Weight for Each Gemstone
Ruby (Manik)
Planet: Sun
Formula: 1 Ratti per 12 kg body weight (minimum 3)
Notes: More weight = stronger Sun energy. Darker rubies are more potent. Burma rubies most effective.
Price Impact: Price doubles every carat above 2ct
Pearl (Moti)
Planet: Moon
Formula: 1 Ratti per 10 kg body weight (minimum 4)
Notes: Pearls are less dense, so larger sizes needed. Natural pearls much more potent than cultured.
Price Impact: Natural pearls exponentially more expensive
Red Coral (Moonga)
Planet: Mars
Formula: 1 Ratti per 10 kg body weight (minimum 5)
Notes: Italian (Mediterranean) coral most effective. Japanese coral also good. Red-orange color preferred.
Price Impact: Larger corals increasingly rare
Emerald (Panna)
Planet: Mercury
Formula: 1 Ratti per 12 kg body weight (minimum 3)
Notes: Colombian emeralds most valued. Minor inclusions (jardins) are acceptable and authentic.
Price Impact: Clean 3+ carat emeralds very expensive
Yellow Sapphire (Pukhraj)
Planet: Jupiter
Formula: 1 Ratti per 12 kg body weight (minimum 3)
Notes: Ceylon (Sri Lankan) sapphires most effective. Bright golden yellow preferred. Avoid heated.
Price Impact: Price rises sharply above 5 carats
Diamond (Heera)
Planet: Venus
Formula: 0.1 Ratti per 10 kg body weight (minimum 0.5)
Notes: Diamonds are very dense - smaller sizes work. Colorless or near-colorless recommended.
Price Impact: Extremely expensive above 1 carat
Blue Sapphire (Neelam)
Planet: Saturn
Formula: 1 Ratti per 12 kg body weight (minimum 3)
Notes: TRIAL MANDATORY. Ceylon origin best. Royal blue or cornflower blue preferred.
Price Impact: Premium increases dramatically with size
Hessonite (Gomed)
Planet: Rahu
Formula: 1 Ratti per 10 kg body weight (minimum 5)
Notes: Honey or cinnamon color preferred. Sri Lankan origin recommended.
Price Impact: Relatively affordable even in large sizes
Cat's Eye (Lehsunia)
Planet: Ketu
Formula: 1 Ratti per 12 kg body weight (minimum 3)
Notes: Sharp cat eye effect (chatoyancy) is must. Greenish-gray color most common.
Price Impact: Sharp eye effect commands premium
Weight Recommendation by Body Weight (in Ratti)
| Body Weight | Ruby | Pearl | Coral | Emerald | Y. Sapph | Diamond | B. Sapph | Gomed | Cat's Eye |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40-50 kg | 3 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 0.5 | 3 | 5 | 3 |
| 50-60 kg | 4 | 5 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 0.6 | 4 | 6 | 4 |
| 60-70 kg | 5 | 6 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 0.7 | 5 | 7 | 5 |
| 70-80 kg | 6 | 7 | 8 | 5 | 5 | 0.8 | 5 | 8 | 5 |
| 80-90 kg | 6 | 8 | 9 | 6 | 6 | 0.9 | 6 | 9 | 6 |
| 90+ kg | 7 | 9 | 10 | 6 | 6 | 1 | 6 | 10 | 6 |
Note: These are general recommendations. Individual variations based on horoscope strength of the planet may require adjustments. Consult an astrologer for personalized advice.
Factors Affecting Gemstone Weight Requirements
Color Saturation
High ImpactDeeper, more saturated colors have stronger planetary energy. Pale stones may need 20-30% more weight to compensate.
Clarity/Inclusions
Medium ImpactMinor inclusions are acceptable and don't significantly reduce effectiveness. Heavy inclusions may need 10-15% more weight.
Treatment
Very High ImpactTreated/heated stones have GREATLY reduced astrological effect. You may need 50-100% more weight OR they may not work at all.
Origin
Medium-High ImpactPremium origins (Ceylon, Burma, Colombia) are more potent. Other origins may need 10-20% more weight for same effect.
Cut Quality
Low-Medium ImpactBetter cuts reflect more light but don't significantly change astrological power. Focus on color and clarity over cut.
Minimum vs Optimum vs Premium Weight
| Gemstone | Minimum | Optimum | Premium | Price Multiplier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ruby | 3 Ratti | 5 Ratti | 7+ Ratti | 1x / 3x / 8x |
| Pearl | 4 Ratti | 6 Ratti | 8+ Ratti | 1x / 2x / 4x |
| Red Coral | 5 Ratti | 7 Ratti | 10+ Ratti | 1x / 2x / 5x |
| Emerald | 3 Ratti | 4 Ratti | 6+ Ratti | 1x / 4x / 12x |
| Yellow Sapphire | 3 Ratti | 4 Ratti | 6+ Ratti | 1x / 3x / 10x |
| Blue Sapphire | 3 Ratti | 4 Ratti | 6+ Ratti | 1x / 4x / 15x |
Quick Weight Calculation Formula
For Most Gemstones (Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire):
Body Weight (kg) / 12 = Ratti
(Minimum 3 Ratti)
Example: 72 kg / 12 = 6 Ratti (but start with 4-5)
For Pearl, Coral, Gomed:
Body Weight (kg) / 10 = Ratti
(Higher minimum weights)
Example: 70 kg / 10 = 7 Ratti
Important Considerations
- • Start conservative: Begin with minimum recommended weight and upgrade later if needed
- • Quality over quantity: A smaller high-quality stone beats a larger low-quality one
- • Avoid treated stones: Heated/treated gems need 50-100% more weight (may not work at all)
- • Blue Sapphire caution: Always do 3-day trial before wearing regardless of weight
- • Consult astrologer: Weight recommendations may vary based on planetary positions in your chart
Budget-Friendly Options
If the recommended weight in a primary gemstone is too expensive, consider these alternatives:
Alternative Gemstones (Upratna):
- • Ruby → Red Garnet, Red Spinel (can wear 50% more)
- • Emerald → Green Tourmaline, Peridot
- • Yellow Sapphire → Citrine, Yellow Topaz
- • Blue Sapphire → Amethyst, Iolite
- • Diamond → White Sapphire, White Topaz
Cost Savings Tips:
- • Buy slightly included stones (minor inclusions OK)
- • Consider less premium origins
- • Start with minimum weight, upgrade later
- • Buy unmounted, have local jeweler set
- • Look for certified but unbranded sellers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Carat and Ratti?
Ratti is the traditional Indian unit for gemstone weight, while Carat is the international standard. 1 Ratti = 0.91 Carats (approximately). Ratti is slightly smaller than Carat. When buying gemstones in India, weights are often quoted in Ratti. To convert: Carats = Ratti x 0.91, or Ratti = Carats x 1.1
Is wearing a bigger gemstone always better?
Not necessarily. Wearing a gemstone too heavy for your body weight can cause an "overdose" of planetary energy, leading to negative effects. Stick to the recommended weight based on your body weight. Quality matters more than size - a 3-carat high-quality stone is better than a 5-carat low-quality one.
What if I cannot afford the recommended weight?
Start with the minimum recommended weight. A smaller high-quality gemstone is better than a larger low-quality one. You can also consider Upratna (alternative gems) which are more affordable and can be worn in larger sizes. For example, Yellow Topaz instead of Yellow Sapphire.
Do I need to increase gemstone weight if I gain body weight?
Minor weight fluctuations (5-10 kg) don't require changing your gemstone. However, if you gain significant weight (20+ kg) over time, you may consider upgrading to a heavier stone. The original stone will still work, just with proportionally reduced effect.
Why is Diamond weight recommendation so much lower than others?
Diamonds are extremely dense (high specific gravity of 3.52) and concentrate planetary energy efficiently. Additionally, Venus (Diamond's planet) energy is potent in small doses. Large diamonds are also prohibitively expensive. A 0.5-1 carat diamond is sufficient for most people.
Can children wear gemstones? What weight?
Children can wear certain gentle gemstones like Pearl (for Moon) and Coral (for Mars) after age 5. Use 50% of adult recommended weight. For example, a 30 kg child could wear 2-3 Ratti Pearl. Avoid powerful stones like Blue Sapphire until adulthood. Always consult an astrologer.
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