The Ratti is an egg shaped scarlet red seed with a black spot on one end of the plant Abrus precatorius which is known as Gunja in Sanskrit and Chirmi in Hindi. This is a poisonous and toxic seed due to the presence of abrin a toxalbumin. Certified natural gems for Jyotish gem therapy . Certified gemstones for Vedic gem therapy. The Ratti as a measure of weight was used during era before the rule of Emperor Akbar and had the following values.

1. Ratti carat conversion | Ratti to Carat Converter | Carat Ratti Calculator
Ratti carat conversion | Ratti to Carat Converter | Carat Ratti Calculator
Smelling a Rat in the Ratti – Is Ratti Still the Correct Measure for Gem weight?
A month ago we received a strange request, “ I need a exactly 781 mg Emerald set in a ring that has equal
parts of silver and lead, can you provide me with such a ring?”
Thanks to Google Conversion tools we plugged in 781 mg and when it converts to carats we get a figure of
3.905 carats.
This is what the Gemstoneuniverse team replied back:

2. Thank you for your mail message. 781 mg translates to 3.905 carats. You can view the Gemstoneuniverse
inventory online and choose an Emerald in this weight range. However, we cannot make the ring with equal
parts of lead and silver as the melting points of both these metals are different.
After a couple of days we received a reply from him stating that there is not a single Emerald that weighs
3.905 carats. Can you please confirm if such a ring cannot be made because the astrologer who
recommended this to me says it’s possible?
To which the Gemstoneuniverse team replied:
Thank you for your mail message, unfortunately at present time we do not have an exact 3.905 carats
emerald. You can wait for new uploads and check if there is an exact match or find it at some other vendor.
As per the laws of science lead is a poor metal with a melting point of 327.5 C and Silver is a noble metal
961.8 C. Hence, chemically this is just not possible unless there has been a breakthrough in science. In case
your Astrologer claims this is possible, He would be the only person in this world who can do it.
Meanwhile no sacred text recommends this combination. Besides the inclusion of lead will make the ring look
odd/ ugly depending on individual perception as lead would discolour the ring band.
What Happened Afterwards
Well this Gentleman went ahead and purchased a 3+ carats Emerald from the Gemstoneuniverse inventory
and put this message in the order comment box: Hi team I trust you. Please make the ring with a
combination of silver plus lead. Equal proportion does not matter. We subsequently made and shipped this
ring.
Irony/ Confusion- Ratti, Astrological Ratti, Sunari Ratti, Mg, Carats conversion
Going back to the initial recommendation, “ I need a exactly 781 mg Emerald set in a ring that has equal
parts of silver and lead, can you provide me with such a ring”
Three major points must be noted here 1) At the time when the sacred texts were written the unit milligrams (mg) had not been arrived at. How can
one recommend aGemstone in milligrams like a medicine and how did he arrive at this rather novel figure of
781 mg? What is the scientific research and documented evidence that this dosage is required?
2) This Recommendation of mixing equal parts of silver and lead is also pretty strange as chemically it is not
possible unless there is a remote possibility of a sacred alchemy rule that can make it possible.
3) This might be a poor/ bogus recommendation wherein the astrologer is playing on the psyche of the
individual and trying to influence by giving a recommendation that seems quite whimsical using milligrams
and equal parts of lead and silver. The larger possibility is that the astrologer would be having such a product
in stock readily available for sale.
We don’t know why the individual did not ask the Astrologer to supply the ring but this particular incident
provokes thought about several such novel recommendations bordering on ridiculous, (it is just manipulating
the units of measure).

3. Correct Gemstone weight recommendation- The Debatable ratti System
What is a Ratti?
The Ratti is an egg shaped scarlet red seed with a black spot on one end of the plant Abrus precatorius which
is known as Gunja in Sanskrit and Chirmi in Hindi. This is a poisonous and toxic seed due to the presence of
abrin a toxalbumin.
The Ratti as a measure of weight was used during era before the rule of Emperor Akbar and had the following
values.
This Ratti System of measuring was popular in North India before the adoption of the metric system. This
system was not uniform all across India and Madras, Bombay and Bengal had different values of Ratti.
4 Chawal (grain of rice) = 1 Dhan (weight of one wheat berry)
4 Dhan = 1 Ratti
8 Ratti = 1 Masha
12 Masha (96 Ratti) = 1 Tola
24 Ratti (96 Dhan) = 1 Tak
Conversion of Ratti into Carats
Divergent Data emerges from several parts of India about the Ratti.
1 Ratti= .91 carats
200 Milligrams =1 Carat or = 100 Cents
182 Milligrams =1 Standard Ratti (Astrological Stones Ratti)
121 Milligrams =1 Sunari( Jewellers) Ratti = (Kachhi Ratti)
1 Gram =5 Carats = 1000 Milligrams
Going by the above there should be a single standard value for ratti regardless of where you go. It has to be
universal but the fact of the matter is, It Isn’t.

4. Divergent Values of Ratti’s influenced by Geography and Economics
Region
Weight in Ratti
Equivalent Weight In carat
West( Mumbai)
100
93 ¾ carats
Central and Northern
India( Jaipur)
100
90 carats
East India( Calcutta)
100
90 ½ carats
So you can see that the Ratti is not a standardized measure and the values of the same gemstone shall be
different using the Ratti System in different parts of India. Gemstones are expensive commodity.
Difference of a few fraction points will make a huge impact on the end value ranging from hundreds to
several thousand depending on the weight and the quality of the gem being measured. An equal
weight Ruby in carats is going to cost different and weigh differently in Jaipur and Mumbai and so on...
How are Gemstones measured, is the Ratti System Still in existence
Worldwide the standard for measuring gemstones is the carat (spelt exactly so. Karat is a measure of purity
of gold).
1 carat= 200 milligrams.
1 Gram= 5 carats
1 Ratti = .91 carats
1 carat= 1.0989 ratti’s
The buying and selling of gemstones and pricing of Gemstones *all across the world happens in carats and
a retail consumer should always insist that he/ she be given gemstone weight in carats and not rattis.
*Certain Gemstones like Pearls are measured in Chaws/ Grains, Amber is Grams etc.
In the year 1956, The Indian Government passed a Standards of Weights and Measures system to introduce
metric system based on Punjab Act. The metric would begin in October 1958, making metric weight
mandatory by October 1960, and the metric measures mandatory by April 1962.
As per the law, it is mandatory to use the metric system but the Ratti is still going strong and is used in
certain parts of India.
When certain jewellers are asked why they still use Ratti as a unit of measurement - Most of them do not
have a concrete answer though some cite tradition as the basis of using the ratti system.
The Ratti is existing only in the retail sales in India in a situation that involves Astrologers, Traders and end
users.
Gemstone Weight Calculation Method- The Ratti Astrologer

5. There are several sources that suggest weight of gemstone but the basis of that suggestion is neither
revealed nor ascribed. There is NOT a single standard text that recommends gemstone weight let alone
recommendation in Ratti. The sacred texts speak about the desired quality in the gemstones that are
auspicious and the flaws that should be avoided in the Gemstones.
Quotes in Sacred texts regarding Jyotish Gemstones
"Inward glowing lustre, transparency, illumination with rays, sparkle, free from impurities and good
formation of the shape are the characteristics of good gems" -(Agni Purana, 246.13-14).
“If anyone wears a gem of many flaws even out of ignorance, then grief, anxiety, sickness, death, loss of
wealth and other evils will torment him” - (Garuda Purana, 70.19)
Gemstone weight recommendation by body weight
There is a system prevalent in India that prescribed using 1 ratti of gemstone per 10kg of body weight. This is
also not uniform over all 9 gems. It makes exception to Diamond and says any weight for Diamond is ok but
best weight is 1.25 ratti.
This is pretty strange because if all 9 gems are supposed to equally influence us in the same way astrologically
then why is there exception to this rule. This is an absolutely flawed system bordering on the absurd for
several reasons. Some of them are:
1) It does not take into account the actual planetary position. It does not factor in which sign a planet is
posited/ aspected/ degrees to which the planet has travelled/ the dasha antardasha-major/ minor planetary
period.
2) If we go by this system an overweight 15 year old (probably a student) who weighs 100 kilos will get a 10
ratti Gemstone whereas a 40 year executive (probably in the most critical juncture in his career) and weight
65 Kilos will get a 6.5 ratti gemstone. It does not factor in age, condition, objectives and requirements.
3) It makes exception to Diamond just because the Diamond price will shoot up remarkably with per carat
increase in weight as compared to other gemstones.
The List can go on and on but the most pertinent points I have listed below.
Diversity of Ratti weight - Gemstone Recommendation as per Geography and Economics:
There are a whole lot of exceptions to the 10 Kg bodyweight=1 ratti rule. These are influenced by Traders
who in turn influence Astrologers to suggest Gemstones of a particular ratti that is easily available/ easy to
procure, of commercial quality and in stock.
These are poor quality or synthetic stones and are not Jyotish Gemstones. Majority of stones suggested in
Rattis and commercially transacted are at the bottom of the Gem Pyramid. We did survey across India and
found out the most fondly recommended weights for 8 Gemstones with the exception of Diamond. The
survey Findings are below:
Region
Average Recommended Weight in
Ratti
Weight in Hindi

6. East( Calcutta)
7.25 ratti to 11.25 ratti
Sava Saat Ratti to Sava Gyarah
Ratti
North( Jaipur/ Delhi)
5.25 ratti to 8. 25 ratti
Sava Paanch Ratti to Sava Aath
Ratti
West ( Mumbai)
5.25 ratti to 7. 25 ratti
Sava Paanch Ratti to Sava Saat
Ratti
South( Chennai)
2 ratti to 4 ratti
Do Ratti to Char Ratti
You can easily figure out that this system is not uniform and there is no Astrology or Astrological Analysis
involved in the correct weight recommendation. The only consideration is profit and availability of stones.
The stone with poorest quality fetch the highest profit margins. So If I would go to buy a Ruby in Calcutta I
will get a recommendation of 11.25 ratti whereas if an Astrologer recommends me a Ruby in Chennai I will
get a recommendation of 4 ratti.
If there is some Astrological rule involved then in that case one should get the same recommendation
across India.
It is another fact that neither of these will work. It just satisfies the psyche of the individual, the
commission to the astrologer and profit margin to the trader. There is no Astrology involved at all.
Know the difference between Gem Bogus and Junk
Sattva Guna = mode of goodness - is good clarity (costs dealers high price, offers lowest profit margin);
Raja Guna = mode of greed - is "bluff" clarity (costs dealers low price, offers highest profit margin);
Tama Guna = mode of ignorance - is industrial grade (costs dealers the least but is hardest to sell at any
price).
Picture Courtesy: Mr. Richard Shaw Brown-Founder of AGT and co Founder of PGA- Author, Gemologist,
Artist & Designer.
So does a Universal Standard method of Correct Gemstone weight recommendations exist at all:

7. It Dose’nt
Some astrologers who have authored books on the subject recommend a particular weight. Although, they
do not cite the source of this information nor there is a set standard. It varies from author to author and book
to book.
However some of the Astrologers have devised unique methods of Gem recommendation factoring in several
parameters/ inputs from their Guru’s (teachers) and study of the individual’s horoscope. One of the better
Astrologers I know shared this system with me about a decade back. He has had good results from following
this system. A similar system has existed in the KP system
You would need to refer to this table:
Planetary Gemstone
Average Weight in Carats
Ruby
3.1
Pearl
3.2
Coral ( Both Red and White)
5.9
Emerald
3.5
Yellow Sapphire
3.3
Diamond
1.6
Blue Sapphire
3.8
Hessonite Garnet
4.4
Cat’s eye chrysoberyl
5.7
Astrological Gemstone weight Calculating formula
Gw/ Gross Weight of the Gemstone= AvPG * Wn( Weight of the native)/ 60* Planetary Shadbala
Astrological Weight of the Gemstone= Gw/ 4 (Divide by 4 factoring in Kaliyiuga. Mantra Chanting gets
multiplied by 4 in Kaliyuga.
Deviation of +/-.5 carats is acceptable and shall give good results provided the Gem is a Gem as per Gem
Pyramid.
So Let us apply this formula in a Birth Chart and See:

8. So for example if a Ruby is recommended for this Individual, let’s plug this data into the formula:
Gw/ Gross Weight of the Gemstone= AvPG * Wn( Weight of the native)/ 60* Planetary Shadbala
Astrological Weight of the Gemstone= Gw/ 4
Gw=(3.1*64) /(60*.78) = 198.4/46.8=4.2
Astrological Weight of the Gemstone= 4.2/4=1.05 carats
Is the above the correct formula for calculating Astrological Weight of Gemstone:
It might be a formula that gives a fairly OK result but is it the one standard formula? No, I think this formula is
also not complete because of several factors. Some of the factors that it overlooks is that it is not considering
the Moon Chart, Degrees a Planet has travelled, The sign in which the planet is posited for example, aspects
etc, the individual circumstances and objectives etc etc.
So we can say it’s not a full proof formula. It has worked well for this Astrologer and his clients. It is, I think a
1000 times better formula then the mg recommendation or the ratti recommendation.

9. Which System of Gemstone Weight Suggestion gives Good Results?
As I said, some people have unique techniques for Gemstone recommendation and they have based them on
their actual practice, advice of their Gurus, reading of some texts.
The following weights in general give good results to everybody.
Remember the Shastras speak of the Quality and not Weight. Get a True Jyotish Gemstone as per the sacred
texts and not abluff stone and a questionable recommendation.
This Table below is based on my individual system of weight recommendation and documented statistical
results in my practice.
Gemstone
Average Size Range for Optimum results
Ruby
1-3 carats
Natural Pearl
1-3 carats
Red Coral
3-6 carats
Emerald
1.25-3.5
Yellow Sapphire/ White Sapphire
2-4.5 carats
Diamond
23 Points/ Cents -1.25 carat( 100 Points/ Cents Make a
carat)
Blue Sapphire
2-5 carats
Hessonite
3-6 carats
Cat’s Eye Chrysoberyl
1.25 to 3.5 carats

10. A Deviation of +/- .5 carats is ok provided the Gem is a Gemstone as per Gem Pyramid and is a Jyotish
Gemstone.
The above system shall give good results to all provided the Gem is a Gemstone and not a stone as per Gem
Pyramid. A more accurate recommendation can be given only after a thorough analysis of the chart and
factoring in several other parameters such as objectives, any special health conditions etc.
Gemstones are expensive and valuable. If one cannot afford the above weight range one might look at
combining two gemstones of lesser weight for the ideal weight or go for a real Jyotish Quality Uparatna. You
can start your Gem Therapy like a starting point and keep improving the Gem Quality with time if the Gem
has given you good results.
Trust that next time you get a quirky/ whimsical recommendation in milligrams or a ratti recommendation
you shall be aware that in all probability the intention is to impress/ influence or profit and nowhere
connected with Astrology or your horoscope.
Sacred Gemology is divine and provides terrific results provided you are armed with good information and a
good gemstone. You might want to read, Do Gems Work- No They Don’t for 90% of the people.
A small prayer for you, which you should also recite for yourself, your loved ones and the whole universe
Sarve
Sarve
bhavantu
sukhinah=
santu
niramayah=
may
Sarve
bhadrani
pashyantu =
Ma
kaschit
duhkha
bhaag
may
all
bhaveet-
may
all
see
may
Om shantih, shantih, shantih-Om peace, peace, peace!
With Prayers, Love and Peace
good
none
all
be
and
be
free
be
from
happy
disease
auspicious
in
everything.
unhappy
or
in
distress

11. Guruji Shrii Arnav
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