▴ Reference

Crystals in Sanskrit and Hindi — Traditional Names

The Sanskrit, Hindi, and traditional Indian names for the crystals you know in English.

Indian healing tradition has its own crystal vocabulary. The English name and the Sanskrit name often refer to slightly different ranges of stones — and the Sanskrit name carries cultural and ritual weight the English equivalent doesn't. Below, the traditional names for the crystals in our catalogue.

Quartz family

  • AmethystJamunia (Hindi), Vaikrant (Sanskrit, sometimes), Katela
  • Clear QuartzSphatik (Sanskrit and Hindi). The most spiritually-revered crystal in the tradition.
  • Rose QuartzGulabi Sphatik, Gulabi Spar
  • CitrineSunaila, Sunhela. Often confused with yellow sapphire (Pukhraj) in Jyotish.
  • Smoky QuartzDhumavati Sphatik
  • Rutilated QuartzSuvarna Mukhi (golden-faced)

Coloured crystals

  • Lapis LazuliLajward (Persian-Hindi)
  • TurquoiseFiroza
  • MoonstoneChandrakant (literally "moon-loved")
  • MalachiteDhanagar (rare)
  • Sodalite — modern; sometimes called Neeli Spar
  • HematiteLoha-pashan ("iron-stone"). Bhasma form used in Ayurveda.

Earth and red crystals

  • CarnelianHakeek (red variety)
  • Red JasperLal Hakeek
  • GarnetTamra or Gomedh (the latter usually for Hessonite specifically — Rahu's gem)
  • Tiger's EyeVyaghra-mani ("tiger gem")

Sacred forms

  • LingamShiva-lingam. Sacred form, not a crystal type itself. Made from various crystals.
  • Malajapa-mala. 108 beads for repetitive meditation practice. Sandalwood is most traditional but crystals (sphatik, rudraksha, tulsi) are widely used.
  • Yantra — sacred geometry, often etched on crystal slabs. Not a form of the crystal but a layer of meaning placed on it.

When buying for a Vedic puja or ritual context, asking by Sanskrit name often gets you a more authentically-prepared piece. Most reputable Indian crystal sellers know both vocabularies.

Enquire about these crystals

Each crystal is chosen and cleansed by hand before shipping.