Stones by zodiac sign
Aries Gemstones: Marjan (Red Coral) and Red Agate برج حمل
In short: Aries, known as Mesh in Vedic astrology, is ruled by Mars, and red coral (Marjan) is the gem of Mars, so Marjan is the traditional Aries stone. Its usual substitute is carnelian, sold in Pakistan as red agate or surkh Aqeeq. Tradition says red coral should first be worn on a Tuesday morning, set in gold or copper.
Aries, or Mesh in Vedic astrology, is ruled by Mars, and the gem of Mars is red coral (Marjan), so that is the traditional Aries stone. Its common substitute is carnelian, sold in Pakistan as red agate or surkh Aqeeq. Below we cover how each is worn, what to check before you buy and how to care for it.
- Dates
- 21 March – 19 April
- Vedic name
- Mesh
- Ruling planet
- Mars (Mangal)
- Primary stone
- Red coral (Marjan)
- Secondary stone
- Red agate / carnelian (surkh Aqeeq)
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: Marjan (red coral)
In jyotish, red coral is the chief gem of Mars, or Mangal, so it belongs to both signs Mars rules: Aries and Scorpio. It is an organic gem, built by sea creatures, which makes it soft, and it polishes to a gentle, slightly waxy glow. Tradition connects Mars with energy, courage, property and brothers and sisters. You can browse loose red coral, each piece photographed by itself.
The substitute: red agate (carnelian)
Carnelian, listed with us as red agate, is the uparatna or substitute for red coral. Substitutes are traditionally thought of as milder, and many families are comfortable wearing them without a full reading. Red jasper is also named as a stand-in for Mars, and Aqeeq in other colours can be found in our Aqeeq collection.
Wearing red coral the traditional way
- Finger: the ring finger of your working hand, normally the right.
- Metal: gold or copper.
- Day: put it on for the first time on a Tuesday morning, Mars's day.
Settings are usually left open at the back so the coral rests against the skin. Most readings keep red coral apart from blue sapphire (Neelam).
Checks before you buy red coral
- Fakes are common: dyed coral, and resin or glass coloured red. Colour that looks flat and even, with no texture at all, should worry you.
- Under a loupe, natural coral usually shows faint growth lines or small pits.
- Ask whether the coral is dyed or filled. We state every treatment we know about; see how we check every stone.
- Confirm the weight your astrologer has asked for before you pick a shape.
For a deeper look, read our buying guide Marjan explained.
Setting a budget
Coral prices depend on colour, smoothness and weight. To compare coral, use the 5,000 to 20,000 and 20,000 to 50,000 filters, and try the Under 5,000 filter if you are starting out with red agate.
Looking after it
Coral is soft and porous. Keep perfume, soap and anything acidic away from it, wipe it with a damp cloth, and store it on its own. Our gemstone care guide has more.
Buying red coral from Authentic Gems
We photograph every stone exactly as it is, price it individually and state known treatments. You can ask for a certificate, and independent lab testing can be arranged. Pay Cash on Delivery anywhere in Pakistan, opening the parcel to check the stone before you pay the rider. Once we confirm your order by phone or WhatsApp it is dispatched within 1 working day, and Karachi orders usually arrive in 1–2 working days; see our delivery details. Many Aries buyers want an oval or triangular coral, so tell us your preferred shape and weight and we will shortlist some for you.
The dates given here are Western sun-sign dates. In Vedic practice your rashi is the sign the Moon occupied when you were born, which is often not your sun sign. Our rashi guide shows how to work it out.
References
Related
