Zodiac gemstones
Virgo Gemstones: Emerald (Zamurd) and Peridot برج سنبلہ
In short: Virgo, called Kanya in Vedic astrology, is ruled by Mercury, so its traditional stone is emerald (zamurd or panna), the same stone as Gemini. The usual substitute is peridot (zabarjad), much of which comes from Pakistan's northern areas. By tradition, emerald goes on the little finger and is first worn on a Wednesday morning.
Virgo, which Vedic astrology calls Kanya, is ruled by Mercury, so its traditional stone is emerald (zamurd, or panna). Gemini shares the same stone. The usual substitute is peridot (zabarjad). Read on for the wearing customs, the checks to make when buying and how to care for the stone.
- Dates
- 23 August – 22 September
- Vedic name
- Kanya
- Ruling planet
- Mercury (Budh)
- Primary stone
- Emerald (zamurd / panna)
- Secondary stone
- Peridot (zabarjad)
On the tray today
Shop emerald and green stones
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 (panna)
Jyotish gives Mercury, or Budh, charge of intellect, speech, trade and learning, and emerald is Mercury's gem. Emerald is green beryl, and good colour counts for more than perfect clarity, since nearly every natural emerald carries inclusions. Our emerald category is small, so if nothing matches, message us the weight you need on WhatsApp.
The second stone: peridot (zabarjad)
Peridot is the main stand-in for emerald, and a good share of it is mined in Pakistan's northern areas. Green agate and green tourmaline are also listed as Mercury substitutes. Substitutes are traditionally seen as gentler, and many people wear them without a reading.
How emerald is traditionally worn
- Finger: the little finger.
- Metal: gold or silver.
- Day: put on for the first time on a Wednesday morning.
Before first wear, the stone is usually rinsed in clean water, and it is set so that it touches the skin.
Checks before you buy
- Ask whether the emerald is oiled or resin-filled. Both are common and should be disclosed.
- Look out for green glass and lab-grown emerald; round gas bubbles mean glass.
- In peridot, an olive to lime green with a faintly oily shine is perfectly normal.
- On a valuable stone, ask for independent lab testing. See how we check every stone.
There is more in emerald's jardin, oiling and fakes.
Budget
Peridot and green agate are easy to compare under the Under 5,000 and 5,000 to 20,000 filters. An emerald with good colour at an astrological weight is more likely to sit under 20,000 to 50,000 and Over 50,000.
Care
Keep emerald away from heat, steam and ultrasonic cleaners, which can pull the oil out of it. Peridot scratches more easily than sapphire, so give it its own space in the box. Our gemstone care guide has the details.
Buying emerald and peridot from Authentic Gems
We photograph every stone exactly as it is and price it on its own, and we disclose any treatment we know about. A certificate is available if you ask, and we can arrange independent lab testing. You pay Cash on Delivery anywhere in Pakistan, opening the parcel and checking the stone before the rider gets paid. Orders leave us within 1 working day of confirmation, and Karachi deliveries usually arrive in 1–2 working days; our delivery details cover the rest of the country. Let us know whether your astrologer wants emerald only or is happy with a substitute, and we will show you the right stones.
The dates given here are Western sun-sign dates. Vedic practice works differently: your rashi is the sign the Moon occupied at the moment you were born, and it often turns out to be a different sign from your sun sign. Our rashi guide shows you how to work yours out.
References
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