Ruby (or Manik in Hindi), a gemstone that requires no introduction to anyone! Loved globally for its rich crimson colour that instantly catches the eye and captures the heart, and recommended far and wide in India for its astrological potency as a primary gemstone for Sun, Ruby has its place at the top of the gemstone world. Interestingly, Vedic astrology also terms this gemstone as “Ratna Raj”, which literally means “King of all gemstones” in Hindi. Why so, you may ask? It’s because, Sun, the planet representing this gemstone, is considered the king of all planets astrologically. That’s the power a Ruby holds!
But, do you know, Ruby does not deserve all this attention just because of its lovely red hues or the astrological power it holds; it's also because of the rarity of this gemstone. A nicely saturated, good-quality natural ruby is even rarer than a diamond of the same size, and even more expensive. Yes, you read that right! Not everyone can afford an original Ruby of good quality, and that’s where it becomes important for us to talk about the astrological substitutes of this gemstone that are far more accessible for the majority of people.
These stones do not entirely replicate the Vedic power or astrological working of a Manik stone, but they are definitely more affordable than the latter, and definitely serve their own purpose of being a gemstone for Sun. So, if your astrologer has recommended a natural Ruby of a good origin, probably a Burmese Ruby or a Sri Lankan Manik, and you simply can’t afford one right now, it's a good idea to consider wearing a substitute or “Upratna” of Ruby stone right now and invest in an original ruby later on in life, when you can!
Now let’s dive right into the topic, shall we?
Astrological Substitutes of Ruby Stone | Upratna for Manik Stone
Pink Sapphire
Pink Sapphire, a gemstone which is probably the closest bet to a natural Ruby stone. Why do we say that? Not just because it is similar in looks to a Ruby, more so that’s coming from Sri Lanka, but also they both belong to the same mineral family, corundum. Both Pink Sapphires and Rubies derive their red colour from the presence of chromium in them; both rank a solid 9 on the Mohs scale.
So, where exactly is the fine line? Even GIA (Gemological Institute of America) says that a stone is a Ruby only if its colour is predominantly red with a high level of saturation. If the colour is on the lighter side, and/or has a secondary hue (like purple or pink), that kind of overshadows the red in it, it will be classified as a pink sapphire.
Speaking from an astrological point of view, both these stones work for Sun (Surya). So, we can safely say that Pink sapphire is an astrological substitute for Ruby stone. Even though an original pink sapphire does not come dirt-cheap and would still put some strain on your pocket, especially if it's coming from top origins like Sri Lanka, it would still be more affordable than a Ruby with the desired “Pigeon blood red colour” that everyone wants!
Choose an Original Pink Sapphire
Star Ruby
Star Ruby is another popular substitute for Ruby/Manik stone. Not only is the name similar, but astrologically also, they represent the same planet i.e Sun. Looking at the name also, a star ruby is literally a Ruby with a star-like shine/lines on it when light strikes its surface. This phenomenon is called asterism, under which a gemstone shows a star-like pattern of light when light hits the surface of the gemstone.
This gemstone also belongs to the mineral family Corundum, just like a Ruby stone, but the number of inclusions in it is way more than the latter. While a natural Ruby is priced for its clarity and fluorescence, a star ruby is denser in appearance and is generally on the opaque side because of how densely it is packed with needle-like inclusions called “rutile silk” or rutile needles.
But, at the same time, the price difference between these two gemstones differs a lot from each other, and Star Ruby is much, much more affordable for a common man than a natural Ruby.
So, if you want to wear a gemstone for Sun, but can’t seem to afford a high-quality natural Manik stone right now, Star Ruby can be just the right pick for you!
Explore Our Star Ruby Collection
Sun stone
Sunstone, or what it’s more commonly known in India as Suryakant Mani, is a gemstone that not many people know of, but it totally deserves more attention. A semi-precious stone that was discovered much later than Ruby, which is probably the reason why not many people know about it. Even though a natural sunstone comes in a variety of colours, an orange sunstone is the one that is loved most of all.
Mostly appreciated as a healing crystal in the Western world, this stone has its own importance in the realm of Vedic astrology, as it’s believed to hold the power of Sun within it. This gemstone shows a beautiful shimmering effect on the surface, which makes it very attractive. Its radiance, which is because of the aventurescence; an optical effect that leads a gemstone to produce a metallic, glittery shine when light hits the surface, due to the presence of tiny mineral platelets inside it.
One look at this gemstone and you understand that the names, “Sun stone” and “Surya kant Mani” are clearly justified, as it represents Sun (Surya) both in appearance and properties. If you want an inexpensive alternative for Ruby stone and are ready to trade in for milder results, Sunstone is something you can opt for!
Final Thoughts
Ruby (Manik) stone is a wonderful tool in astrology to boost the power of Sun in your horoscope. But, we also can’t overlook the fact that a natural, good-quality Ruby also comes with a certain price tag that’s sometimes out of reach for a lot of people. It therefore becomes important to consider alternatives (substitutes or Upratnas) for this gemstone that are more accessible and still show some results. In no way are we claiming that these stones can produce the same effects that an original Ruby stone could, but wearing a less-effective gemstone is still better than wearing no gemstone at all.
Upratnas in Vedic astrology exist because they are intended to be a milder but more accessible solution for anyone who is recommended any of the Navratnas (9 planetary gemstones) but is unable to wear them because of budget constraints. We hope that these four alternatives for Manik stone come to your rescue while you are trying to find your path to astrological wellness.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ruby Substitutes
What is the best substitute for Ruby stone?
Pinkish or red-hued stones like Star Ruby, Pink Sapphire, and Sunstone are considered Ruby substitutes in different Vedic astrology traditions. The most suitable option depends on your horoscope, budget, and the astrological tradition your astrologer follows. A substitute should be chosen only after confirming that a Sun-related gemstone is suitable for you.
Can I wear a substitute for Ruby if I cannot afford a natural Ruby?
Yes, a Ruby substitute or Upratna can be considered if a natural Ruby is beyond your budget. These stones are traditionally viewed as milder alternatives to Ruby and may be recommended when wearing the primary gemstone is not financially practical.
Do Ruby substitutes give the same results as Ruby?
No. Ruby substitutes are traditionally considered milder than natural Ruby and should not be expected to produce exactly the same astrological effects. Their purpose is to provide a more accessible alternative when the primary gemstone cannot be worn.
Which gemstone is used as an Upratna for Ruby?
Different Vedic astrology traditions recommend different Ruby substitutes. Star Ruby, Pink Sapphire and Sunstone are among the stones used as alternatives for Ruby. Your astrologer can suggest the most appropriate option based on your birth chart.
Is Pink Sapphire a substitute for Ruby?
Yes, Pink Sapphire is considered a Ruby substitute in some Vedic astrology traditions. Both Ruby and Pink Sapphire belong to the corundum family, making them closely related gemstones. Pink Sapphire can be considered when someone seeks a more affordable alternative to a high-quality Ruby.
Is Star Ruby the same as Ruby?
Star Ruby is a variety of Ruby that displays a star-like optical effect called asterism. It belongs to the same corundum family as Ruby but generally contains more needle-like inclusions. Because of its appearance and quality range, Star Ruby is often considerably more affordable than fine transparent Ruby.
Is Sunstone a substitute for Ruby?
Yes, Sunstone is considered a Ruby substitute in some Vedic astrology traditions. It is associated with the Sun and is generally regarded as a more affordable and milder alternative to Ruby. Its attractive shimmer, known as aventurescence, is one of its most distinctive features.
Is Pink Sapphire cheaper than Ruby?
Not always, but Pink Sapphire can be more affordable than a fine-quality Ruby. The price of both gemstones depends on factors such as colour, clarity, origin, size and treatment. Exceptional Pink Sapphires can also be expensive, so there is no fixed price difference between the two.
Can I wear a Ruby substitute permanently?
Yes, a Ruby substitute may be worn long-term if your astrologer considers it suitable for your horoscope. Some people use an Upratna as a permanent alternative, while others wear it temporarily before investing in a natural Ruby. There is no universal rule that a substitute must eventually be replaced.
Can I wear a Ruby substitute without consulting an astrologer?
It is better to consult an astrologer if you are wearing the stone for astrological purposes. Ruby and its substitutes are associated with the Sun, and strengthening a planet is traditionally considered beneficial only when that planet is suitable in your birth chart.
Which Ruby substitute is the most affordable?
Sunstone is generally one of the more affordable Ruby alternatives, although prices vary according to quality, size, and origin. Star Ruby can also be considerably cheaper than fine-quality transparent Ruby, while high-quality Pink Sapphire can command a much higher price.
Can a Ruby substitute be as effective as natural Ruby?
Traditionally, Ruby substitutes are considered milder than natural Ruby, so they are not generally expected to have exactly the same astrological effect. They are mainly used as more accessible alternatives when someone cannot wear the primary gemstone due to budget constraints or need a milder remedy.
Should I buy a larger Ruby substitute instead of a smaller natural Ruby?
Not necessarily. A larger substitute does not automatically become equivalent to a natural Ruby. A primary gemstone always performs better than a substitute. If budget is the concern, discuss both options with your astrologer. The gemstone's authenticity, quality, and astrological suitability are more important than simply choosing the highest carat weight.
Can I wear a Ruby substitute instead of Ruby if my astrologer prescribed Manik stone?
Yes, if your astrologer approves the substitute. Upratnas are traditionally used when the primary gemstone is too expensive, unavailable or otherwise difficult to wear. However, the substitute should be selected according to the astrological recommendation rather than simply choosing the cheapest alternative.
