Ruby vs. Uparatnas: Harnessing the Sun’s Energy with Affordable Alternatives

Discover affordable Ruby alternatives with similar astrological benefits. Uparatnas offer Sun’s positive energy, making them a wise and effective choice.

Ratna, or a precious gemstone for each planet, is widely known and used as a remedy. Apart from not knowing if the particular gemstone is going to bring a positive or negative effect, there is also another issue – its price and affordability. Good quality gemstones are difficult to find, and if you do, they are expensive. To solve this issue, we have UPARATNAS or semi-precious gemstones. Though these are not a replacement for the Ratnas and do not bring far-reaching effects like the Ratnas do, they are definitely an option or substitute. The bonus is that they are easily available and affordable.

In Gemology and Jyotish, Uparatnas are considered one tier below Navratnas because their chemical makeup and ability to radiate Sun’s energy are relatively weaker. Hence it is recommended wearing Uparatnas in slightly larger sizes, so you can enjoy benefits closer to those of Navratnas.

At Gem Astro World, our goal is to empower readers with insights into Uparatnas through a series of articles for each planet—beginning with the Sun.

RUBY (Manik)

In astrology, the Ratna (precious gemstone) for the Sun (Surya) is Ruby (Manik). Ruby is a bright red colour crystal. The fundamental component of ruby is Aluminium Oxide which is mineral corundum. While pure Aluminium Oxide is colourless, the presence of Chromium is what gives ruby its prized red hue. The amount of Chromium influences the intensity of the colour.

Ruby is associated with various benefits, a few of them being Courage, Confidence, Fame, Increased Vitality, Emotional Stability, Guard from Inferiority Complex, Wealth and Professional Success.

Natural Ruby’s availability now a days is very limited if not rare due to sourcing complexities. World’s best quality Rubies are mined from Burma a.k.a Myanmar and around the belt of  Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Thailand. There are good quality Rubies are found in India, Afgan region and Srilanka as well.

Due to the supply constraints, there are many treated Rubies being circulated which may not be as effective as Natural Rubies since the natural stones carries the chemical composition of materials just as same as whats present across the solar system in various other planets which influences day to day human lives on earth.

Semi-Precious Stones:

Now, Let us look at what are the alternatives available for Ruby which offers almost similar benefits along the lines of Ruby but at a better economics and lesser possibilities of gem stone treatment.

Common Semi-Precious stones (Upratnas) for the Sun are Red Garnet, Red Spinel, Carnelian and Heliolite. Of course the list here is not exhaustive but these are more common alternatives to Natural Ruby.

Red Garnet

A common and popular substitute for Ruby. While Ruby is vivid, bright red, red garnet is a little darker. Being a semi-precious stone, it is not as hard as Ruby.  Red Garnet is used for:

Enhancing energy and vitality,

Promoting emotional healing by reducing fear and anxiety,

Fostering love and passion in relationships,

Protects from evil eye,

Helps activating root and crown chakra

Red Spinel

Also known as the “Ruby Imposter” because of how identical they look. It is almost as hard and durable as Ruby. But the difference between them is in the colour. Red Spinel falls in the orange-red to purple-red spectrum, while Ruby is bright red.  Red Spinel is good for:

Boosts passion and motivation,

Sparks creativity and enthusiasm,

Energizes the body and mind,

Promotes courage and bravery

Stimulates the Heart Chakra

Increases self-worth and helps build confidence

Carnelian

Though Carnelian doesn’t look identical to Red Garnet or Red Spinel to Ruby, it is considered one of the best alternatives for Ruby. Carnelian is translucent and softer than Ruby. It is also reddish-orange.  Carnelian stones can be widely found in Sacral chakra activation studios and its mainly used in activation of Solar Plexus. It is said to:

Boost confidence,

Help remove the fear of death,

Helps boost metabolism, fertility

Boosts self-esteem

Enhances intelligence and memory

Activates Sacral and Root Chakras

Sunstone a.k.a Heliolite:

Also known as Suryakant Mani. It is orange / peach like the sun’s colour. It is characterised by its adularescence (shimmering light) caused by copper inclusions. It is also less durable than Ruby. Sunstone is said to:

Bring luck and fortune

Help connect with the subconscious mind and increase intuition.

Clears negative energies

Help increase energy levels for anyone to tends to be lazy or procrastinate.

Support digestive health

Activate Sacral and Solar Plexus Chakra.

As we can see, the alternatives to Ruby offer many of the same benefits while being more accessible. These gemstones provide a practical and affordable choice without compromising on their astrological value. By choosing the right Uparatna, one can still harness the positive energies associated with the Sun. Ultimately, this makes them a wise and balanced option for those seeking both value and effectiveness.

About the Authors

Astro Pandit SUKUMAR GOPALAN has been practicing Astrology spanning many years with a clientele across the globe with specialization in Vedic Astrology, Palmistry, Vasthu, Gem Stone Remedies, Numerology, and various prashna techniques. He also teaches Vedic Astrology at Indian Council of Astrological Sciences (ICAS) Chennai Chapter to budding Astrologers and Astrology Enthusiasts. To schedule appointment for Horoscope readings, visit https://gemastroworld.com/book-appointment/

Ms. Rakshna S, is a Gemstone and Tarot reading expert guided by Vedic Astrology principles. She provides Gemstone related guidance and selection of Gemstones both in Precious and Semi-Precious segments to clients across the globe. Follow Manipura_Crystals To reach out Ms. Rakshna