Zodiac gemstones
Aries Gemstones: Red Coral (Marjan) and Red Agate برج حمل
In short: The traditional Aries stone is red coral (Marjan), because Aries, called Mesh in Vedic astrology, is ruled by Mars and red coral is the gem of Mars. The usual substitute is carnelian, sold in Pakistan as red agate or surkh Aqeeq. Red coral is traditionally first worn on a Tuesday morning, set in gold or copper.
The traditional Aries stone is red coral (Marjan), because Aries, called Mesh in Vedic astrology, is ruled by Mars and red coral is the gem of Mars. The usual substitute is carnelian, sold in Pakistan as red agate or surkh Aqeeq. Below: how each is worn, what to check before buying and how to look after it.
- Dates
- 21 March – 19 April
- Vedic name
- Mesh
- Ruling planet
- Mars (Mangal)
- Primary stone
- Red coral (Marjan)
- Secondary stone
- Red agate / carnelian (surkh Aqeeq)
GemStore team — written by the people who list and pack every stone.
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Traditional belief vs gemmology: anything on this page about luck, protection, planets, healing or religious tradition describes traditional and cultural beliefs — not proven effects, religious rulings or medical advice. A stone's identity, hardness, treatment and origin are gemmology, which a lab can test; the references at the end of the page cover that side.
Primary stone: red coral (Marjan)
Red coral is the primary gem of Mars (Mangal) in jyotish, which makes it the stone for both Mars signs, Aries and Scorpio. It is an organic gem, grown by marine animals, so it is soft and takes a polish with a slightly waxy glow. Traditionally, Mars is linked with energy, courage, property and siblings. Browse loose red coral stones, each photographed on its own.
Secondary stone: red agate (carnelian)
Carnelian, our red agate, is the substitute (uparatna) for red coral. Substitutes are traditionally treated as milder, and many families consider them fine to wear without a full reading. Red jasper is also named as a Mars substitute, and Aqeeq of other colours is in our Aqeeq range.
How red coral is traditionally worn
- Finger: the ring finger of the working hand, usually the right.
- Metal: gold or copper.
- Day: first put on on a Tuesday morning, the day of Mars.
The setting is usually open at the back so the stone touches the skin. In most readings red coral is kept apart from blue sapphire (Neelam).
What to check when buying red coral
- Dyed coral and coloured resin or glass are common fakes. Even, flat colour with no texture is a warning sign.
- Natural coral often shows faint growth lines or tiny pits under a loupe.
- Ask whether the stone has been dyed or filled. We disclose known treatments; read how we check every stone.
- Check the weight your astrologer has asked for before choosing a shape.
Our buying guide Marjan explained goes into more detail.
Budget
Red coral is priced on colour, smoothness and weight. Use the 5,000 to 20,000 and 20,000 to 50,000 filters to compare coral, and the Under 5,000 filter if you are starting with red agate.
Care
Coral is soft and porous. Keep it away from perfume, soap and acids, wipe it with a damp cloth, and store it separately. See our gemstone care guide.
Buying red coral from GemStore
Each stone is photographed as it is and priced on its own, with known treatments disclosed. A certificate is available on request, and independent lab testing can be arranged. Pay by Cash on Delivery anywhere in Pakistan and open the parcel to inspect the stone before paying the rider. Dispatch is in 1–2 working days; see our delivery details. Aries buyers often ask for an oval or triangle coral; tell us the shape and weight you want and we will shortlist stones.
The dates above are the Western sun-sign dates. In Vedic practice your rashi is the sign the Moon was in when you were born, and it often differs from your sun sign. Our rashi guide explains how to find it.
References
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