Ruby (Manik): The Sun's Stone for Authority and Vitality

Ruby is corundum coloured red by chromium, and it belongs to Surya - the Sun. In a chart the Sun signifies the self, the father, authority, government, reputation and physical vitality. Manik is worn to strengthen that whole cluster.

What it is used for

• Authority and leadership - traditionally worn by those in command roles, administration or government service.
• Public recognition where good work is going unnoticed.
• Vitality and constitution, particularly where energy is chronically low.
• Relationship with the father, or with authority figures generally.
• Confidence in people who defer too readily.
• Strengthening a weak, debilitated or combust Sun.

Who it suits

The Sun is a functional benefic for Aries, Leo, Sagittarius and Scorpio ascendants, and Ruby is most freely recommended there. It generally warrants caution for Taurus, Gemini, Virgo, Libra, Capricorn and Aquarius ascendants.

One practical caution independent of the chart: the Sun's heat is amplified, and people with a naturally pitta constitution, high blood pressure, or a tendency to anger sometimes find Ruby uncomfortable. Start with a modest weight - 3 ratti rather than 7 - and observe.

Quality factors

1. Colour - the benchmark is "pigeon blood": a vivid red with a slight blue undertone. Brownish, orangey or very dark stones sit lower.
2. Origin - Burmese material is the classical preference. Mozambique, Madagascar and Thai rubies are widely available and often excellent. Origin affects price far more than it affects astrological use.
3. Clarity - rubies almost always carry inclusions. Fine silk is normal and can even improve appearance. What to avoid is a visible crack reaching the surface.
4. Treatment - this is where the money is lost. Heat treatment is standard and accepted. Glass-filled ruby is a different matter: heavily fractured material flooded with lead glass, sold cheaply and often not disclosed. It is fragile, cannot survive normal jewellery repair, and is not accepted for astrological use. Always ask.
5. Weight - typically 3 to 6 ratti. See the carat to ratti calculator.

If a "natural ruby" of good size is priced like a semi-precious stone, it is almost certainly glass-filled. The certificate will say so if you ask for one that tests for it.

Ruby and its substitutes

Red spinel, garnet and red tourmaline are all sold as ruby substitutes. Spinel in particular was historically confused with ruby - several famous "rubies" in royal collections are spinel. As substitutes they are honest options at lower cost; as misrepresented ruby they are fraud. A single line on a lab report resolves it.

Wearing rules

• Metal: gold, or copper. Panchdhatu is acceptable.
• Finger: ring finger of the right hand.
• Day and time: Sunday morning at sunrise, waxing moon.
• Mantra: Om Hraam Hreem Hraum Sah Suryaya Namah, 108 times.
• Setting: open-backed, in contact with the skin.

See certified ruby, and gemstone treatments explained for the full treatment picture.