Characteristics of the Gems & their forms

A "Nava Ratna" talisman set with nine perfect gems. In the center is a 95% flawless "red lotus"colored 1 carat Burmese RUBY surrounded(clockwise from the top) by flawless diamond, flawless "natural" pearl, flawless red coral, flawless hessonite, flawless blue sapphire, flawless cat's eye, flawless yellow sapphire, and flawless tsavorite. Source:-p-g-a.org

According to the Amarkosh the gems are the unique creation among matters which enchants every creature on earth.
That means, it is gems which enchants every creature on earth and which is the best in all aspects among all matters.Among humans,the best person,endowed with highest qualities are called ratna,however,as a compliment.In the Rig Veda ratna has been used thrice,as saptaratna,that is,seven gems.However,whenever gems have been used it has been inferred as things to be worn as amulets.No wonder,hence,the gems were used to wear in chains round the neck like we wear talismans during the Vedic times,predominantly to quell the evil effects.


This is exactly what even Varahamihira used to advocate for.He used to expound that the words such as nararatna,gajaratna,ashwaratna,streeratna(that means,humans as useful as gems,elephants as gems,horses as gems and wife as a gem)were used to mean the collection of human forces all gems to preserve,protect and keep.However,in Vrihatsamhita,the word ratna has been used to mean thunder,mani(jewels) to mean stones etcetera.