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Review Paper | Ayurveda | Volume 15 Issue 7, July 2026 | Pages: 15 - 19 | India
A Critical Review on Physical Characteristics for Identification of Precious and Semiprecious Stones (Ratna and Uparatna)
Abstract: Ayurvedic pharmaceutics is one of the fastest growing sectors in the world market. Globalization expects pharmaceutical standardization. Hence, standardization of formulations and preparing drugs that are palatable and acceptable with longer shelf life becomes mandate. Ayurveda makes an extensive use of ?Rasashastra? so; it has become the vital or inseparable component of the therapeutic process. The precious stones used for medicinal purposes in the field of ?Rasashastra? are branded as ?Ratna?. These special stones / gemstones are highly attractive and striking in comparison with other metals and minerals. Gem identification is basically a process of elimination. Gemstones of similar colour undergo non-destructive optical testing until there is only one possible identity. Any single test is indicative only. Most minerals can be characterized and classified by their unique physical properties: hardness, luster, color, streak, specific gravity etc. These properties are related to their chemical composition and bonding. Together, the chemical formula and the crystal lattice determine the physical properties of minerals. So the physical properties and chemical composition are very useful to identify Ayurveda Acharyas have mentioned the characteristics of best raw drug termed as Grahya Lakshana. With help of this classical grahyalakshana and modern scientific technologies for identification of minerals, help in genuine selection of drug which defines the quality of the final product, so identification of any precious stone plays vital role. This review work, study the physical properties; SG, colour, luster, crystal system, RI, etc, and Grahya lakshana as per classics of some precious stone. Such tests are very powerful to study the identification, evaluation, colour improvement and provides genuine precious gem stones.
Keywords: Ayurveda, Gemstones, Ratna, Uparatna, Garhyalakshanas, Physical Properties
How to Cite?: Dr. Reshma Yaranal, Dr. Renuka Suryawanshi, "A Critical Review on Physical Characteristics for Identification of Precious and Semiprecious Stones (Ratna and Uparatna)", Volume 15 Issue 7, July 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 15-19, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26630152420, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26630152420