Associated with Mars, a ferocious planet ruling courage, determination and physical strength, red coral (meaning Moonga in Hindi) is worn to strengthen weakly placed Mars in native’s horoscope or to benefit from its favorable position.

Astrologers recommend Munga ratan for Mesh (Aries) and Vrischik (Scorpio) Rashi.

Western astrology prescribes red coral birthstone for Aries.

Moonga gemstone can also be worn by the ascendants of Sagittarius, Pisces, Cancer & Leo.

WeightMinimum 1/10th of the body weight. E.g. – a person weighing 60 kgs can wear a 6 carat Munga ratna.

Red Coral ColorFor best results, bright red coral is best. An orangey-red coral of spotless quality works fine too.

MetalSilver and gold are ideal. Alternatively, panchdhaatu, platinum or white gold can also be used.

Red Coral FingerRing finger of the working hand.

Day & TimeTuesday morning in the Shukla Paksh (Waxing Moon)

Mantra & Chanting TimesOm Ang Angarkay Namha , ॐ अं अंगारकाय नमः (108 times)

Of all the types of Coral, red Coral is far more popular because of its astrological relevance and is known by several names including, ‘Marjaan’, ‘Sinduja’, ‘Maheya’, ‘Vidrum’, ‘Praval Ratna’, ‘Musaragalva’, ‘Latamani’, ‘Mangalmani’ etc. Wearing this gemstone can help the wearer emerge out of the difficult phase of Mangal Dasha, more smoothly and maturely.

Success in Team Management, Administrative, Leadership Roles– Associated with aggressive planet Mars, red coral stone benefitsthe wearer by refining his team improvisation skills. Known to inculcate determination, initiative and focus, it is highly recommended for people working in Army, Police, Sports or other professions where great deal of physical and mental stamina is required.

Profitable Real Estate Business – In vedic astrology, Mars is recognized as the ‘Bhoomi Karaka’ ruling land and property. Thus, Munga stone benefits people working in industries like real estate, interior decoration, mining, oil exploration and physical asset management industries.

Better Digestive Health & Immunity – Health benefits of red coral surpass almost every other gemstone because of its ability to restore digestive, circulatory and psychological health. It is also worn to boost immunity and mental concentration of the wearer.

TypePrice / Carat

Second Quality Rs. 1,000/-

First Quality Rs. 1,200/-

Good Quality Rs. 1,500/-

Best Quality Rs. 2,000/-

World Class Quality Rs. 2,500/-

Depending on the origin, color, shape and overall clarity, price of red coral can range anywhere between ₹ 500 to ₹ 15000 (7$ to 230$) per carat. Moreover, other factors like natural availability and artificial treatment can considerably influence Moonga stone prices.

Origin– Japanese red coral is excessively rare and thus attracts luxury pricing from ₹ 5000 to ₹ 15000 (75$ to 230$) per carat. Italian red coral price range also tends to remain on higher end, flexing between ₹ 500 and ₹ 4000 (8$ and 65$) per carat (depending on quality). Indian red coral is relatively cheap and more affordable.

Color–Bright red, lustrous corals are preferred over dull, faded or pale ones. Moonga stone price per ratti increases further for vividly saturated and bright red gemstones.

Shape– Being an organic gemstone, red coral can easily crack from pressure and thus sold in and as cabochon gemstone in oval, round, capsule and triangular shapes. If quality and weight remain the same, round gemstones are more expensive than other shapes.

Clarity –Clarity of red coral is analyzed by how bright and smooth its surface is. Stones carrying blemishes, pits and spots are priced on the lower end. Munga ratna price is reasonably high for a flawless, lustrous red coral.

Carat Weight – Corals are rarely found in large sizes, implying that a smooth, spotless red coral weighing above a few carats is priced in relevance to its rarity.

Treatment– Red coral is treated to enhance its color but can be synthesized in labs as well. Artificial gemstones occur in and as plastic, wood or polymers. An original red coral is significantly expensive than the fake ones. It is better to buy red coral that is certified by recognized laboratories to avoid getting duped by fraudsters.

Gemstone prices in India are calculated both in Carats as well as Ratti. Red Coral price per carat always amounts equal to Red Coral price per ratti. 1 Ratti = .91 Carats

The best quality Red Coral gemstone comes from a reputed origin, exhibits bright red color with a smooth, spotless, lustrous surface.

Origin– Italy continues to be the most popular origin, delivering fine quality red corals for more than two centuries. However, other locations including Japan, India, Algeria, USA and Taiwan are also recognized globally for producing high quality, natural red coral gemstones. Australian and Taiwan red corals are more suitable for jewelry purposes.

Color– Red coral does not come in a wide range of hues but its color may differ in intensity. Its color can range from warm red to deep pink to deep red. But, Ox-blood red coral displaying bright red with secondary tint of orange is more desirable in gemstone markets.

Clarity– Being an opaque and dusky gemstone, clarity in red coral is judged by its surface markings, texture and luster. Inclusions in red coral may occur as blemishes, black spots, groove pits or wood grain effects. Best quality red coral is smooth, lustrous and spotless or as inclusion-free as possible.

1.Why there is such a great variation in Red Coral gemstone prices?

Red coral stone prices are sensitive to origin, color, clarity, shape and treatment. In addition, astrological relevance and rare occurrence of some varieties, make them susceptible to even higher pricing. E.g. Japanese coral is rarer than Italian one and yet the later may come nearly expensive owing to its astrological popularity. Similarly, an Oxblood red coral draws more money than a faded or dull colored red coral. One must remember that price of red coral is collectively decided by the above parameters and any major or minor change in appearance, treatment or shape can increase or reduce the prices.

2. Why Japanese Red Coral is more expensive when Italian red coral is more effective for astrological use?

Japanese red corals have become exceedingly rare due to excessive extraction in the recent past and changes reported in their marine ecosystems because of pollution. Fine quality and limited availability make them expensive than other origins. Italian Red Coral on the other hand, is not only easily available but ranks equally good on luster, color saturation and clarity, which makes it fit for astrological use. Since both varieties can be used for astrological reasons, rarity of Japanese coral increases its value in the gemstone market.

3. How can I check the quality of Red Coral?

Quality of this gemstone depends on several factors. As a rule, high quality red coral displays minimum inclusions, smooth texture, bright red color and high luster. But before evaluating the quality of the stone, it is also important to understand customer’s buying preferences. While physical or gemological attributes like clarity and color make Japanese and Italian origins more desirable, astrological relevance makes the later a better choice. Similarly, when looking for jewelry purposes, Australian and Taiwanese origins are preferred more than others. It is always recommended to buy lab tested red coral whether online or from trusted dealers to ensure fair purchase.

4. How to wear a Moonga ring or stone properly for instant results?

Moonga Ratna is an auspicious gemstone worn to bring out the positive effects of Mars or Mangal in a person’s horoscope. But it is extremely important to ensure that weight, metal and overall quality of gemstone is rightly balanced before wearing a red coral ring. By selecting minimum weight (1/10th of the body weight), natural and clean gemstone, one can better channelize the benefits of Moonga ratan. The best time to wear red coral is Tuesday morning in Shukla Paksha.

5. Is triangular Moonga better than the round ones?

No! The shape of gemstone bears no effect on its astrological value. Red Coral astrological benefits depend on the weight and collective quality of the gemstone. Triangular Red Coral or ‘Tikona Lal Moonga’ is more of a fashionable statement than astrological preference and is usually sought for jewelry purposes.