Gemological properties
- Mineral family: Hessonite is a calcium-aluminum silicate that belongs to the grossular garnet species.
- Color: It is known for its warm, earthy tones, which can range from honey-yellow to deep cinnamon and reddish-brown. The color is caused by traces of iron and manganese in its composition.
- Clarity and inclusions: Hessonites often contain unique “toffee-like” streaks or heat-wave-like internal swirls that help distinguish them from other gemstones. Higher quality stones generally have fewer visible inclusions.
- Hardness: With a hardness of 6.5 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, hessonite is durable enough for most jewelry but should be protected in settings to avoid scratches.
- Source: The finest quality hessonite, known as Ceylon Gomed, comes from Sri Lanka. Other sources include India, Brazil, Madagascar, Tanzania, and Canada.
Astrological significance
In Vedic astrology, hessonite is the gemstone for the shadow planet Rahu. It is believed to counteract the malefic or negative effects of Rahu and is particularly recommended for those undergoing the Rahu Mahadasha (planetary period).
Potential benefits for wearers include:
- Success and career growth: It is thought to bring success, power, and wealth, particularly for those in politics, law, or public relations.
- Mental clarity and peace: The stone is believed to calm the mind, relieve confusion, anxiety, and stress, and improve concentration.
- Protection: It is said to protect the wearer from negative energies, evil spirits, and black magic.
- Health: Some believe it can help with ailments related to Rahu, such as skin, respiratory, and gastric issues.
- Relationships: The stone is also believed to improve understanding and harmony in relationships.
How to wear it
- Consult an expert: Hessonite is a powerful stone, and wearing it without astrological guidance can have negative effects, such as increased anxiety or financial loss.
- Placement: For astrological purposes, it is traditionally recommended to be worn on the middle finger of the right (or working) hand.
- Setting: The stone should be set in silver or a five-metal alloy (Panchdhatu). Avoid setting it in gold for astrological wear.
- Purification: Before wearing, the stone should be cleansed by dipping it in a mixture of raw milk, honey, and holy water, and energized with the Rahu mantra.
- Timing: The ideal time to first wear the stone is on a Saturday morning during the waxing moon phase.
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