The most common and direct Sanskrit term for 'precious stone' or 'gem' is ratna (रत्न).
In Sanskrit, ratna (रत्न) is a widely recognized term used to signify a precious stone, gem, or jewel. It is a neuter noun and appears frequently in various ancient Indian texts and literature when referring to valuable objects.
Beyond the general term, Sanskrit also encompasses more specific expressions that describe particular collections or types of gems, reflecting the cultural significance of these stones.
Key Sanskrit Terms for Gems and Precious Stones
| Sanskrit Term | Transliteration | Gender | Meaning/Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| रत्न | ratna | n. | Precious stone, gem, jewel, treasure. This is the primary and most general term. |
| नवरत्न | navaratna | n. | Nine gems. Refers to a traditional and astrologically significant set of nine precious stones. |
| सर्वरत्न | sarvaratna | m. | All gems or a collection of all jewels; the totality of precious stones. |
The term navaratna (नवरत्न) holds particular importance, especially in traditional Indian astrology (Jyotisha) and jewelry. It denotes a specific combination of nine planetary gems, each associated with a celestial body, believed to bring fortune and ward off negative influences. These typically include ruby, pearl, red coral, emerald, yellow sapphire, diamond, blue sapphire, hessonite, and cat's eye.
Understanding these terms provides insight into the nuanced ways Sanskrit describes valuable objects and their cultural context. While ratna broadly covers anything precious or excellent, its primary association remains with gems and precious stones.
