Zodiac stones
Gemini Stones: Emerald (Zamurd), or Peridot برج جوزا
In short: Gemini's traditional stone is emerald (Zamurd, or Panna), because Gemini, Mithun in Vedic astrology, is ruled by Mercury. The usual substitute is peridot (Zabarjad), which is mined in Pakistan's northern areas. Emerald is traditionally worn on the little finger in gold or silver, put on first on a Wednesday morning.
Gemini's traditional stone is emerald (Zamurd, also called Panna). Gemini, Mithun in Vedic astrology, is ruled by Mercury, and emerald is Mercury's gem. The usual substitute is peridot (Zabarjad), and green tourmaline and green Aqeeq are named too. Below: how emerald is worn, what to check before buying and how to look after it.
- Dates
- 21 May – 20 June
- Vedic name
- Mithun
- Ruling planet
- Mercury (Budh)
- Primary stone
- Emerald (Zamurd / Panna)
- Secondary stone
- Peridot (Zabarjad)
On the tray today
Shop emerald and peridot
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: emerald (Zamurd)
Emerald is the gem of Mercury, Budh, which rules both Gemini and Virgo. Tradition ties Mercury to intellect, speech, business and study, which is why students and traders so often ask for it. Almost every emerald carries natural inclusions, known as jardin, and that is normal. See our emerald stones. We don't hold a large stock in this category, so if you need a specific weight, message us.
The substitute: peridot (Zabarjad)
Peridot is the main stand-in for emerald, and it comes from our own northern areas. Green tourmaline and green agate are also named as Mercury substitutes. Substitutes are traditionally thought to act more gently.
How emerald is traditionally worn
- Finger: little finger.
- Metal: gold or silver.
- Day: put on first on a Wednesday morning, Mercury's day.
An open-back setting lets the stone rest against your skin. In many readings emerald is allowed alongside Neelam or a Venus stone, but check what your own chart says.
Checks before you buy an emerald
- Most emeralds are oiled or resin-filled to hide cracks. Ask what has been done to the stone.
- A perfectly clean green stone at a low price is more likely glass or lab-grown.
- Under a loupe you want natural inclusions. Round gas bubbles point to glass.
- If the stone is costly, have it tested at an independent lab.
Our guide on how to identify a natural emerald walks through each check.
Budget
Emerald is priced on colour, clarity and treatment, and it usually costs more than its substitutes. Peridot and green agate are easy to find in the Under 5,000 and 5,000 to 20,000 filters; for emerald, look in 20,000 to 50,000 and Over 50,000.
Care
Keep an oiled emerald out of ultrasonic cleaners and hot water. A soft damp cloth is all it needs. More in our gemstone care guide.
Buying emerald or peridot from Authentic Gems
Every stone is photographed as it is and priced individually, with any treatment we know about written on the listing. Pay Cash on Delivery anywhere in Pakistan, open the parcel in front of the rider, check the stone and then pay; you can also have it tested independently. We dispatch within 1 working day of confirming your order, and Karachi deliveries usually arrive in 1–2 working days. See our delivery details for other cities. Since emerald stock is limited, if we don't have the emerald you need we may suggest a good peridot instead, and we'll tell you plainly that's what we're doing.
One last thing about dates. The dates given here are Western sun-sign dates. In Vedic practice your rashi is the sign the Moon occupied when you were born, and quite often it isn't the same as your sun sign. Our rashi guide shows you how to work yours out.
References
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