It would require a volume to give a summary of all the quaint and mysterious beliefs that cluster about precious stones. From very ancient times they have been more or less associated with the idea that they influence human life and happiness. Below we give a few of the many traits and influences of the stones in general use. We do not desire to appeal to the credulity of our readers, but merely to enlighten them as to the folklore of this subject.
These indications are taken literally from “many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore.”
Agate.—An old popular notion regards it as a guarantee against drunkenness. The water in which it is steeped is said to cure sterility. It is said also to counteract magical charms.
Batrachite.—This substance, which is really silicate of magnesia, used to be regarded as a stone found in the body of a frog, and it was supposed to have great powers against poison and sorcery.
Beryl.—The water in which this stone has been dipped causes sympathy between those who drink it.
Chrysolite.—Albertus Magnus regarded it as a preservative against frenzy, but it is also a penitential stone, causing sorrow for wrongdoing in the heart of the sinner who wears it. Finally it is a cure for the gout.
Chrysoprase.—Has the property of strengthening the eyes, raising the spirits and rendering a man liberal and joyous.
Coral.—Was said to protect any house against epidemic disease, to stop the flow of blood, to drive away evil spirits, to avert lightning and hail.
Diamond.—It would be curious if many traditions of occult power had not centralized about this precious stone, and a bare enumeration only of its virtues is possible in the present place. It prevails against poison, plague, panic, insomnia, charms and enchantments. It soothes anger, reconciles husbands and wives. When it has been consecrated under the planet Mars and engraved with an image of that deity, it renders the wearer invincible, whence it naturally inspires courage. Worn round the neck, it insures safe childbirth. In some other ways, it seems to have been regarded as unpropitious.
Emerald.—If ground into powder, this stone was supposed to cure dysentery and the bites of venomous animals. There is a chance that those who wear it will not be subject to epilepsy. It also strengthens memory and maintains chastity.
Heliotrope.—The stone bearing the name, in common with a beautiful and well-known flower, should be sought by the curious, as it renders the wearer invisible. But it is unknown in these days.
Hematite or Bloodstone.—Valuable for its power in incantations, against the sorcery of the evil eye, and to cement the bonds of friendship among male persons.
Hyacinth.—This also is a preservative against the plague, which was a common scourge in the old days, and was therefore an especial concern of occult medicine and its substitutes. The hyacinth was also a cure for dropsy.
Jade.—This is another stone which protects against venomous beasts.
Jasper.—This stone is noticeable chiefly as a favorite gem on which magical signs were engraved, so that they might be worn as amulets. But it also preserved the wearer from poisonous bites.
Linurgas or Lapis Lineus.—A stone of ancient repute which would turn white if enveloped in a linen cloth, and the use of it would then prove beneficial in projects of magic. But it has been decided that the gem itself is fabulous, not to speak of the properties attributed thereto.
Onyx.—When engraved with the head of a camel, this stone procured evil dreams. It may have been used against enemies.
Opal.—The malefic influence which is sometimes attributed to this jewel, by which it has almost come to be regarded as unfortunate in the world of gems, has little authority in past traditions. It acted rather like a cordial to the heart of the wearer, was a safeguard against poison and contagion transmitted in the atmosphere; it served to raise the spirits and was valuable in affections of the eye.
Pearl.—If worn on the neck, it preserved chastity; if ground to powder and taken in milk, it sweetened irritable tempers; if ground with sugar, it cured pestilential fevers.
Perithe.—Whether precious or not, this stone seems unfamiliar to lapidaries, and as regards its appearance we can only report that it was of yellow color. Its virtue was to cure gout, and it had the power to burn the hand when it was held firmly. There are other fabulous stones, as, for example, Lapis Aguila or Eagle Stone, said to be found in the nest of that bird. It assisted childbirth, and according to Dioscorides, served to discover thieves.
Ruby.—The range of auspicious influences possessed by precious stones is exceedingly restricted, and the same virtues recur continually. The ruby resists poison, preserves from the plague, banishes melancholy and diverts evil thoughts. If it should change its color, this is a sign of approaching misfortunes, but it reverts to the original hue when the evil has passed away.
Sapphire.—This stone was good for inflammation of the eyes, and it also attracted good fortune.
Topaz.—This has the faculty of cooling boiling water, and it has been said that those who desire to regain lost positions should not fail to carry it about their person. It procures the sympathy of the whole world.
Turquoise.—We find only that this gem is liable to change its color when worn by certain people, not otherwise described.
The ancients attributed marvelous properties to many of the precious stones. We give in tabular form the different months and the stones sacred to them, with their respective meanings. It has been customary among lovers and friends to notice the significance attached to the various stones in making birthday, engagement and wedding presents.