The pearl is the gemstone of the planet Moon and helps to overcome problems related to this planet.

The formation of a pearl inside a pearl oyster is thought to occur because of the presence of foreign material inside the body of the oyster. To save itself from the undesired material the mollusk coats the object with layer after layer of nacre. It takes many years for a mollusk to produce a pearl of substantial size. The process through which the pearls are formed inside the body of the mollusk is very delicate, and a little disturbance at any stage of development of a pearl can influence its shape and luster. The finest pearl is that which has no foreign matter in its core.

There is a common belief among tantriks that when Svati Nakshatra rain comes to earth it produces pearl in pearl oysters. The mollusk is then said to open its mouth to receive the first raindrops. When these same raindrops fall into the mouth of a cobra, it produces venom. The same raindrops also produce camphor in the banana plant, go-lochan (go-rochan or calcium) when they fall in the horn of a cow, and bansh-lochan and bansh-mukta (or bamboo pearl) when they fall inside a bamboo shoot. Bansh-lochan is known as Calcium bamboana and is very much used in Ayurvedic medicines.

The pearls thus produced by the raindrops of Svati Nakshatra are the finest and have no foreign matter in them.

Pearls are said to be obtained from eight sources:
1. Sky pearl
2. Cobra pearl
3. Bamboo pearl
4. Hog pearl
5. Elephantine pearl
6. Conch pearl
7. Fish pearl
8. Oyster pearl

A genuine pearl is supposed to have the following qualities:
1. Moonlike, shining white color
2. Perfectly round, globular shape and size
3. Compactness, which gives it a high specific gravity
4. Lustre, soft glamour, attractiveness, and brilliance of reflection
5. Smoothness, which gives an agreeable sensation to the eyes
6. Spotlessness and freedom from blemishes (dents, scratches, ridges) and impurities

One who wears or possesses a pearl with all of the above-mentioned qualities enjoys good fortune and is blessed by the goddess Lakshmi (the goddess of prosperity), lives long and becomes sinless and obtains vitality and intelligence. He or she achieves high position by his wisdom and becomes famous.

A pearl with a yellow luster brings prosperity. Red-tinted pearls make one intelligent, shining white pearls bring fame, and a pearl with a bluish hue brings good fortune.

Some aspects of the Rituals for Wearing a Pearl

A pearl should be bought on a Monday in the ascending moon cycle. Saturday is not a good day. The pearl should be given to the jeweler on the same day and the ring should be constructed and polished on the same days as mentioned above under the influence of the same nakshatras. Should be mounted in silver. The setting should be open-backed so that the pearl touches the skin of the finger. The best time to wear a pearl ring is evening, or when the Moon is rising.

Some aspects of the Medicinal Utility of Pearls

Mukta Bhasm or Pearl Oxide provides strength and longevity.Together with Mukta Pishthi (pearl paste or powder), it is used for eye troubles, general debility, tuberculosis, chest troubles, weakness of heart, cough, low-grade fever, hiccups, illusions of ghosts or evil spirits, nosebleed, weakness of mind and urinary troubles, among others.

Chief Sources of Pearls

Gulf of Manar in Sri Lanka
The Persian Gulf
Bay of Bengal
Mexico
Australia