Introduction — The Stone of Rahu, the Shadow Planet
Among the nine Navratnas, Gomed (Hessonite Garnet) rules the mysterious planet Rahu — the shadow that magnifies desire, intellect, and sudden change.
Unlike fiery Neelam (Blue Sapphire) or luminous Pukhraj (Yellow Sapphire), Gomed carries an earthy, smoky warmth — the colour of amber lit by dusk.
It is the gem for those navigating uncertainty — who seek control over impulse and calm over chaos. When sourced from Ceylon, its honeyed glow becomes the visual embodiment of balance.
Etymology & Regional Names
| Name | Region / Language | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Gomed / Gomedak | Sanskrit / Hindi | The gemstone of Rahu |
| Ceyloni Gomed | Sri Lanka | Finest Hessonite known for stability |
| Kanchan Gomed / Kanakapushyaragam | South India | Golden-hued variety |
| Hessonite Garnet | Gemological term | From the Greek hesson = “inferior” (softer than almandine garnet) |
Gemological Profile
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| Chemical Composition | Ca₃Al₂(SiO₄)₃ — Calcium aluminium silicate |
| Crystal System | Cubic |
| Refractive Index | 1.740 – 1.755 |
| Specific Gravity | 3.60 – 3.68 |
| Hardness | 7 – 7.5 (Mohs) |
| Luster | Greasy to vitreous |
| Transparency | Transparent to translucent |
| Common Colours | Honey-orange, amber, whisky brown |
A good Gomed looks like a droplet of thick honey held against the sun — clear, rich, and glowing from within.
Astrological Significance — Rahu’s Balance Stone
Rahu governs ambition, recognition, and innovation. When well-placed, it makes visionaries; when disturbed, it creates restlessness and illusion.
Benefits of Wearing Gomed:
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Calms anxiety and fear of uncertainty
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Improves focus for entrepreneurs, analysts, and researchers
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Protects from deceit, gossip, and misunderstanding
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Helps overcome addictions and mental turbulence
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Enhances intuitive intelligence and diplomacy
Planet: Rahu
Day: Saturday or Wednesday (sunset hour)
Metal: Panchdhatu or Silver
Finger: Middle finger (right hand for men, left for women)
Mantra: Om Raaṁ Raaḥve Namah (108 times)
Who Should Wear Gomed
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Individuals undergoing Rahu Dasha / Antardasha
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Professionals in tech, media, politics, or finance needing clarity
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Those prone to overthinking or sudden anger
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Zodiac signs often benefiting: Virgo, Aquarius, Gemini (consult an astrologer before wearing)
Origins & Comparative Quality
1. Ceyloni Gomed — The Benchmark of Purity
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Origin: Ratnapura & Elahera belts of Sri Lanka
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Colour: Warm amber to honey orange
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Clarity: Translucent with the “treacle-flow” effect (swirls under light)
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Energy: Gentle yet stable — ideal for astrological use
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Rarity: Natural Ceylon Hessonites form less than 10% of global supply
Why Ceylon Wins:
Its geological matrix is free from iron stains and radiation traces found in African stones, giving it a softer and more harmonious vibration.
2. African Gomed — Fiery but Restless
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Origin: Tanzania, Kenya, Nigeria
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Colour: Dark cinnamon to reddish brown
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Clarity: Often opaque or grainy
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Price: ₹800 – ₹2,000 per carat
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Use: Visually attractive for jewellery, less ideal for astrology
3. Orissan Gomed — Earthy and Traditional
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Origin: Kendujhar & Bolangir, Odisha (India)
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Colour: Reddish-brown to brick orange
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Clarity: Moderate with natural veins
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Price: ₹1,200 – ₹3,000 per carat
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Use: Affordable option for basic astrological wear
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Ceyloni Gomed | African Gomed | Orissan Gomed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colour Tone | Honey / Cognac Amber | Reddish-Brown | Brick Orange |
| Clarity | High (Translucent) | Low–Medium | Medium |
| Energy Quality | Calm & Balanced | Fiery & Erratic | Grounded but Muted |
| Astrological Suitability | ★★★★★ Best | ★★ Limited | ★★★ Fair |
| Price Range (₹/ct) | 3,000 – 10,000+ | 800 – 2,000 | 1,200 – 3,000 |
| Availability | Limited & Premium | Abundant | Moderate |
Why Ceylonese Gomed Feels Different
Sri Lanka’s metamorphic geology yields gemstones with high optical transparency and balanced trace elements.
Wearers often describe a subtle cooling effect within days — unlike the heavier or more restless feel of African stones.
Its honey-gold colour embodies clarity without aggression — the perfect expression of controlled Rahu energy.
Ritual for Wearing Ceyloni Gomed
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Choose a certified natural Ceylon Hessonite (minimum 5 carats).
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Metal: Silver or Panchdhatu ring.
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Purification: Soak in Gangajal with Tulsi leaves for 10 minutes.
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Day & Hora: Saturday during Rahu Kala or sunset.
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Mantra: Om Raaṁ Raaḥve Namah (108 times).
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Finger: Middle finger of right hand (for men).
Price Guide (India – 2025)
| Origin | Quality | Price per Carat (₹) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ceylon (Sri Lanka) | Fine Transparent | 3,500 – 10,000+ | Benchmark quality |
| Orissa (India) | Medium | 1,200 – 3,000 | Traditional Indian supply |
| Africa (Tanzania / Kenya) | Low–Medium | 800 – 2,000 | Commercial grade |
Factors Influencing Price:
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Colour intensity (honey > brown)
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Clarity and luster
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Carat weight
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Treatment status (natural untreated preferred)
Identifying a Real Ceylon Gomed
Authentic Traits:
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Golden-brown hue with internal “treacle” flow lines
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Translucent glow with even tone
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Cool to touch, moderate density
Testing Tips:
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Avoid “glass-filled” or overly clean stones
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Certificate must read Natural Hessonite Garnet – Ceylon Origin
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Refractive Index ≈ 1.745
Emotional Meaning — Clarity Within Chaos
Rahu creates fog so that one may learn to see clearly again.
Ceyloni Gomed becomes a compass within that fog — slowing the mind and restoring direction.
It brings discipline to visionaries, focus to dreamers, and humility to those in power.
In Jewellery & Design
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Traditional: Silver rings with cabochon cuts
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Modern: Rose gold and gunmetal mounts for men
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Women’s Wear: Oval pendants with Pearl (for Rahu–Chandra balance)
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Temple Jewellery: Gomed paired with rudraksha beads
At PreciousCarats, each Ceylon Hessonite is photographed under neutral light to reveal its authentic amber tone.
Care & Maintenance
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Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaning
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Wash gently with mild soap and lukewarm water
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Store separately to prevent scratches
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Keep away from heat, perfumes, and chemicals
FAQs
Q1. Is Ceylon Gomed better than Indian or African Gomed?
Yes, it is more transparent and stable energetically — ideal for astrology.
Q2. Can I wear Gomed with other stones?
It pairs well with Pearl or Cat’s Eye (Ketu) when both planets are favorable. Avoid with Blue Sapphire or Emerald.
Q3. What if Rahu is malefic?
Consult a qualified astrologer; correct carat and timing are crucial.
Q4. Can African Gomed be used temporarily?
Yes, but results are typically less stable.
Q5. Does Gomed help with focus and career?
Yes, it sharpens decision-making and shields from office politics.
Conclusion — The Calm Fire of Ceylon
Every Gomed glows like liquid amber, but only those from Sri Lanka seem to breathe.
They radiate composure, guiding rather than dazzling.
When you wear a Ceyloni Gomed, you don’t just appease Rahu — you align with it.
Its light is not overpowering; it is steady — reminding you that clarity is possible, even amid chaos.