Zodiac stones
Aquarius Stones: Blue Sapphire (Neelam), Amethyst or Lapis برج دلو
In short: Aquarius's traditional stone is blue sapphire (Neelam). Aquarius, Kumbh in Vedic astrology, is ruled by Saturn and shares Neelam with Capricorn. Amethyst (Jamunia) and lapis lazuli (Lajward) are the substitutes and are thought to be milder. Astrologers handle Neelam with more care than any other stone, because tradition says its effect depends so much on the chart.
Aquarius's traditional stone is blue sapphire (Neelam). Aquarius, Kumbh in Vedic astrology, is ruled by Saturn, and it shares Neelam with Capricorn. The substitutes are amethyst (Jamunia) and lapis lazuli (Lajward). Below: how Neelam is worn, what to check and how to care for it.
- Dates
- 20 January – 18 February
- Vedic name
- Kumbh
- Ruling planet
- Saturn (Shani)
- Primary stone
- Blue sapphire (Neelam)
- Secondary stone
- Amethyst (Jamunia) or lapis lazuli (Lajward)
On the tray today
Shop Neelam, amethyst and lapis
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 main stone: blue sapphire (Neelam)
Neelam belongs to Saturn, Shani. No stone gets asked about more across our WhatsApp, and no stone makes astrologers more careful, since the tradition holds that how it acts depends so strongly on your chart. Browse blue sapphire in shades from cornflower to deep royal blue.
The substitutes: amethyst and lapis lazuli
Amethyst and lapis lazuli are both accepted as Saturn substitutes and are traditionally considered gentler. Lajward has been mined in this region for a very long time and is cut into cabochons and beads. Some buyers also look at tanzanite for its blue-violet colour, though it isn't a classical substitute.
How Neelam is traditionally worn
- Finger: middle finger.
- Metal: silver, white gold or panchdhatu.
- Day: put on first on a Saturday evening.
It is set with an open back so the stone touches the skin. Most astrologers keep Neelam away from ruby and red coral.
Checks before you buy
- Ask whether the Neelam is heated, untreated or diffusion-treated, and expect a straight answer.
- Glass and lab-grown sapphire can look extremely clean. A loupe helps, and for an expensive stone a lab test settles it.
- With lapis, look for an even blue with scattered golden pyrite. Lots of white calcite brings the value down, and dye can rub off.
- Read how we check every stone.
Further reading: Lajward grading and where Neelam comes from.
Budget
Lapis and amethyst are easy to compare in the Under 5,000 and 5,000 to 20,000 filters. For a Neelam in the weights astrologers usually give, look in 20,000 to 50,000 and Over 50,000.
Care
Sapphire is happy in warm soapy water. Lapis is softer and porous, so just wipe it, and keep it away from water, oil and perfume. Our gemstone care guide has more.
Buying Neelam or lapis from Authentic Gems
Each stone is photographed as it really is and priced on its own, with any treatment we know about stated on the listing. You can pay Cash on Delivery anywhere in Pakistan, opening the parcel in front of the rider to check the stone before you pay, and you are free to have it tested by an independent lab. Orders go out within 1 working day of confirmation; in Karachi they usually arrive in 1–2 working days, and our delivery details list other cities. Tell us whether your astrologer wants Neelam only or will allow a substitute, along with the weight, and we'll put together a shortlist.
A word on dates: the ones on this page are Western sun-sign dates. Vedic astrology uses your rashi, the sign the Moon was in at your birth, and that is often different. Our rashi guide explains how to find yours.
References
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