Stones by purpose
Stones Worn for Wealth and Prosperity خوشحالی
In short: In Pakistan, the stones most worn for prosperity are Pukhraj (yellow sapphire), Zamurd (emerald), Sunehla (citrine), Neelam (blue sapphire) and jade. Pukhraj and Zamurd come from Vedic astrology, citrine from Western traders' lore and jade from Chinese custom. They are beliefs about luck; no stone will make money for you.
When people in Pakistan ask for a stone for prosperity, they usually mean Pukhraj (yellow sapphire), Zamurd (emerald), Sunehla (citrine), Neelam (blue sapphire) or jade. Pukhraj and Zamurd come from Vedic astrology, citrine from Western traders' lore and jade from Chinese custom. These are beliefs about luck. A stone cannot earn money for you.
- Traditions
- Vedic, Western folk, Chinese
- Planets (Vedic)
- Jupiter: Pukhraj. Mercury: Zamurd. Saturn: Neelam
- Budget substitute
- Citrine for Pukhraj
On the tray today
Shop stones worn for prosperity
Written by Sameer
Reviewed on
Traditional belief vs gemmology: anything on this page about luck, protection, planets, healing or religious tradition describes traditional and cultural beliefs — not proven effects, religious rulings or medical advice. A stone's identity, hardness, treatment and origin are gemmology, which a lab can test; the references at the end of the page cover that side.
The stones, and the beliefs behind them
Pukhraj
Yellow sapphire is the Vedic stone of Brihaspati, or Jupiter, the planet of growth, wisdom and wealth. Ask any dealer in Karachi which stone customers request most and Pukhraj will be near the top.
Zamurd
Emerald belongs to Mercury, which rules trade and communication, so shopkeepers and businessmen have long worn it.
Sunehla
In Western folk belief citrine became known as the "merchant's stone". Its golden colour also makes it a common stand-in for Pukhraj when the budget is smaller.
Neelam
Blue sapphire is Saturn's stone. Vedic tradition says it works fast, for good or for bad, so people wear it only on an astrologer's advice and often try it for a few days before committing.
Jade
Chinese tradition treats jade as a stone of good fortune, and you will often see a piece kept in a shop.
Picking the right one
- If an astrologer has advised you: Pukhraj, Zamurd or Neelam. Ask us whether a stone is heated; we always say.
- For a first stone: citrine or jade. Both are durable and available across a wide range of qualities.
- For value: colour, clarity, size and origin set the price. Our article on what makes one Pukhraj cost more explains how.
The customs around wearing them
Pukhraj is normally set in gold and put on first on a Thursday morning, on the index finger. Neelam is traditionally set in silver or panchdhatu and worn on the middle finger, starting on a Saturday. When citrine is worn in place of Pukhraj, it follows the same Thursday custom. Jade is usually kept as a carving, or worn as a bangle or pendant.
All of this is belief passed down through families and traditions. None of it is a promise, and no stone can guarantee a result. Pick a stone you like the look of and can comfortably afford, and enjoy the tradition as part of what it means to you.
References
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