The Rudrayāmala states:
sauvarṇē rājatē tāmrē sphāṭikē vaidrumē tathā ||
The śrīcakra is to be made using any of these materials: gold, silver, copper, quartz crystal, or coral.
According to Tantrarāja Tantra, the following materials are to be be used based on kāmanā-bhēda:
ratnē hēmani rūpyē vā tāmrē dr̥śādi ca kramāt ||
– Precious gemstones like the Navaratna – For wealth
– Gold – For beauty and luster
– Silver – fame
– Copper – progeny
– Sālagrāma – Heath, etc.
Dakṣiṇāmūrti Samhitā prescribes Sālagrāma, gold, silver, and copper in the decreasing order of merit:
gaṇḍakībhavapāśāṇē svarṇē rajatatāmrayōḥ ||
It is also stated in Ratnasāgara:
– A śrīcakra made of gold can be worshipped an entire lifetime
– One made of silver for twenty-two years
– One of copper for twelve years and
– That made of bhūrjapatra for six years.
– śrīcakra made of precious gemstones or crystals like quartz can be worshipped forever.
The effect of worshipping śrīcakra made of different materials is also described in Lakṣasāgara:
1. Sindūra (drawn on the sanctified ground) – grants desires
2. Gold – subjugates kings or men in power
3. Silver – grants health, luster and long life
4. Copper – grants wealth
5. Quartz (Sphaṭika) – grants one’s heart’s desire
6. Ruby (Māṇikya) – grants kingdom or authority
7. Hessonite garnet (Gomedika) – grants unsurpassed riches
8. Emerald (Marakata) – destroys enemies
Tantrarāja Tantra warns against worshipping a śrīcakra made of lead or bell-metal (brass), which results in the destruction of one’s clan, wealth, and children. Another restriction concerns the worship of Kūrmapr̥ṣṭha chakra, which is not prescribed by Rudrayāmala Tantra:
kūrmapr̥ṣṭhē tu yadyantraṁ na pūjyaṁ śrēya icchatā |
tasmāt sarvaprayatnēna parīkṣyaiva samācarēt ||
Pūrṇānanda explains this restriction as not applicable to Yantras in Temples which undergo sthiraptatiṣṭhā (for example, a Kūrmapr̥ṣṭha ardhameru śrīcakra is seen in the famous Kāmākṣī shrine at Māngāḍu).