Everyone knows about gemology. It's hardly uncommon to hear some one remark, "My birthstone is ruby." But the mechanics that go into deciphering which stone is to be worn by whom are a different thing altogether. It's easy enough to go by the classification that some stones suit some zodiac signs and leave it at that. But that's the easy way out. And according to experts, the most ineffective way to harness the energy of a gem. The dos and dont's behind the choice of a stone are intricate enough to boggle the mind.Basically, they revolve around three factors date of birth, time and place of birth."People have a tendency to believe anything an astrologer says. Does it ever occur to anyone exactly how these things, which can make all the difference in whether you live or die, are calculated?" asks Rama Jha, an astrologer-cum-gemologist.The 201st astrologer in her family, Jha turned to the `family profession' for a lark. It was a hobby, which grew to such proportions that she gave up a flourishing career as a lawyer and turned to it full time.Today, she is reputed enough that all the scientific societies in the city recognise her name and give it due respect. She is also an honourary lecturer at various colleges on her favourite subject - what else but Gemology. "The first time I was really interested was when my son's janam kundali was made and I discovered that there were errors in it. It took me three years to figure those out," she says.The progression to gemology was a natural one for Jha, since, "everything is directly related to stones found in nature". To put it simply, at the time of a persons birth, depending on where he / she is born, the planets are in a certain position. The ancient texts mention only seven planets Venus, Earth, Moon, Mercury, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. Each one is responsible for certain aspects of nature."Planets are also responsible for the existence of precious stones and gems in nature. Which is why there are only seven truly precious stones found in nature. Depending on which point the planet is closest to earth at a given time, we find ores only at that spot," says Jha.Therefore, planets are also responsible for the existence of that particular stone, and characteristics of the planet are also found in the stone.It is also the logical explanation as to why natural ores of any metal or stone are not found all over the world. "Exactly. There are also other things. For example, planetary positions control tides, weather, and consequently, crops, life, death and all other natural phenomenon. So, you see, it isn't as if there's any superstition involved. It's a matter of pure and simple science," she explains.And prescribing gems is all a matter of ascertaining which planet was in which position at the time of birth. For instance, if the influence of Jupiter was least felt by a person at the time of their birth, then they will be prescribed the stone correspondent of Jupiter. Of course, the whole procedure involves a lot of mathematical and physics-related calculations, and is far from being as easy as it sounds. But it is essential. Says Jha, "If you are the kind of person who likes to live a disciplined and regulated life, you should wear a stone. And if you have problems of any kind, it is a must. The first line of our oldest Ved, the Rig Ved, prescribes it."But it isn't just a matter of religion, she stresses. "It has everything to do with science. You see, the whole theory is based on the principle of refraction and absorption of light. A gem will not be effective if it is the wrong cut or size. Sunlight has to refract through it and go into your body at a certain angle only. Otherwise it is a futile exercise," she says. According to Jha, the refracting angle for a diamond to be effective is 2.4 degrees. For a ruby 1.76 degrees, an emerald 1.51 degrees, blue sapphire 1.77 degrees and a yellow sapphire 1.61 degrees.If the stone has even so much as a scar, refracted rays defuse at any angle, and the whole purpose is defeated. Pearl and coral, on the other hand function on the principle of absorption of light.So, where can one get these gems?"Anywhere. I do not sell anything. I only prescribe. And I will check the stone, that is all. Nor do I do a planetary reading for people who only want to know things like when they are going to get married, have babies, die or any such thing, just for a lark. Only people who have a genuine problem are entertained here," she says firmly, refusing to reveal the fee she charges.She only repeatedly stresses that if worn without the correct knowledge and guidance, the same stones that can be responsible for a better life, can also be detrimental."If you must spend money buying precious stones, you might as well do it right," she smiles.
