Gems In Myth Legend And Lore

This comprehensive modern lapidary features gemological, historical, and metaphysical information about forty-six gems. Thousands of beliefs and uses have been collected and chronicled. 115 illustrations enhance this 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 reference. Folklore gathered from numerous cultures is given for each stone. Included is a new translation of Mandeville's fourteenth century Le Lapidaire, and hundreds of quotations from literature. All references to gems in the Bible, the Koran, Shakespeare's plays and poems, and the works of Chaucer, Emerson, Thomas Moore, and Sir Walter Scott are given. A translation of Marbode's eleventh century gem treatise is included, as well as references from Vedic texts. Additional features: crystal shapes and classifying gems, a history of gem literature, and a chapter on birthstones, planetary, and Apostolic stones. Gems in Myth, Legend, and Lore Revised Edition continues a tradition of gem literature spanning over two thousand years.

Every culture has developed its own lore of rocks. From the stones of Aaron's breastplate to the foundational rocks of the New Jerusalem, from the creation tales of South America to the blood stones of Burma, gems have taken their place in the mythology and magic of the human race. This book details the lore attached to particular gems. Each chapter covers a particular stone and discusses the gem's geological, historical, mythical, and legendary qualities. A valuable resource for anyone researching symbols, myth, history, or literature, this book also helps science students understand the humanistic context of gemstones and offers social studies students a fascinating view of gems in world cultures. Each chapter covers a particular gemstone, such as diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds. It also covers organic gems, such as pearl, coral, and amber. The chapters discuss the natural history of the stone, including where the gem is found, its value, and its use; the role the gem has played in history, especially for certain famous stones such as the Hope Diamond; and the myths, powers, and legends that have attached to the stone over the centuries. Science students will appreciate the humanistic context the book offers for gemstones, while social studies students will appreciate its consideration of gems across times and places. Students of literature and the arts will welcome the book's attention to gems as symbols, and general readers will find it a fascinating guide to the lore and legend of precious stones.

To access the power of crystals, you must know their stories. Crystal Lore, Legends & Myths presents the fascinating histories and legends of the world's crystals—from the first “mother” civilizations of Lemuria and Atlantis through Ancient Egypt, India, Greece, and Rome right up to the present day. Crystals, gems, and semi-precious stones have long been sought for their beauty, power, and utility. Historically used as adornments, currency, talismans, and amulets, crystals have been reputed through the ages to bestow magic and power on the user. However, in order to fully harness each stone’s unique power, one must know the unique legends and lore attached to it. Every stone has a narrative or key that unlocks its power. In Crystal Lore, Legends & Myths, leading crystal expert and metaphysical teacher Athena Perrakis presents the fascinating history of the world’s most powerful stones. Organized chronologically, and anchoring the journey in seminal moments, contexts, and civilizations that played important roles, learn the history, properties, and how to access wisdom from the crystals of: Atlantis and Lemuria; Egypt and Mesopotamia; India; Minoa, Greece, and Rome; Aaron’s breastplate from the Bible; interdimensional awareness; quantum healing; and the zodiac. Among them, discover: Lemurian seed quartz crystals, said to be implanted with wisdom by Lemurian high priests and priestesses set to be activated long after their civilization’s doomed fate. Tourmaline, which, according to ancient Egyptian legend, formed in the center of the Earth before passing through a rainbow on its way to the Sun. Cat’s eye chrysoberyl, which was used for protection among ancient Roman soldiers in battle. In Asia and the Middle East, it is recommended to protect against the evil eye. Pitdah or topaz, which ancient people believed would bring long life and prosperity and carried the illumination of God within, and was the second stone in Moses’s brother Aaron’s breastplate. Crystal Lore, Legends & Myths brings the history of gemstones and crystals to life in a way that honors the magic and mystery of a romance with gems that stretches back millennia. Learn the fascinating stories of how gems and minerals were used to raise power, store wisdom and secret teachings, and give incredible healing—and tap into the powers of the crystals yourself!

10 out of 12 people have their birthstone wrong. Your birthstone is the gemstone that represents you from birth. Birthstones came from the talismanic breastplate of a biblical high priest. However, of the 12 original gems, only 3 remain in today's list. The birthstone that vendors say is yours may not actually be the original. Your real birthstone holds magical powers specifically helpful to you. A wrong gem could bring dangerously wrong powers, while the right lucky stone gives you the right magic. How much do you truly know your natal stone? This definitive guide, full of illustration, allows you to discover not only your original month stone, but also your complete set of zodiac birthstones. Before you lose hard-earned money buying that expensive “birthstone" that is not actually yours, know your own stones. Get this book now!

A guide to quartz crystals from both an ancestral and scientific point of view, with the mission of helping readers identify their mind patterns and wounds to reconnect with the authentic self. It's estimated that 10 billion quartz crystals are used every year in electronic devices--from smartphones to computers, credit cards, watches, digital cameras, TVs, cars, and much more. When you think about it, it's almost impossible to imagine life without crystals. These same crystals we see in so much of our technology have been used over the course of many centuries, and by many different cultures around the world, for healing. In fact, crystal healing is alive and well today, with modern-day healers harnessing the energy of quartz crystals to help alleviate suffering. What is it that has drawn scientists and healers around the world to crystal technology, and what are the similarities between the ways these two groups have used the stones? In this book, crystal healer and holistic therapist Beatriz Singer answers these questions--and more. She takes readers on a journey to understand the many wonders of quartz crystals, so that we can use their powers to bring peace and healing to ourselves and the world.

"Gems and Gemstones" features nearly 300 color images of cut gems, precious and semiprecious stones, gem-quality mineral specimens, and fine jewelry to be unveiled in the new Grainger Hall of Gems at the Field Museum in Chicago.

"A drop dead gorgeous collection of photography of gemstones and minerals from Polaroid Notes and Instant Love author Jen Altman. A visual treat for the gem, crystal, and mineral enthusiast--whether traditional or recent--this volume features extreme close-ups showcasing the visual splendor of the stones accompanied by a brief textual portrait of the stone, including geological, metaphysical, and historical details"--

Crystals and gemstones have been a source of fascination since Neolithic times; they endure when the bones of those they have adorned have turned to dust. Such was the profundity of crystal lore that ancient peoples incorporated crystals and gemstones as dynamic and potent symbols in their legends and myths. In Crystal Legends Moyra Caldecott approaches crystals from a new angle, retelling stories drawn from world mythology which show the significance of crystals and precious stones as symbolic icons in a variety of traditions. In addition, she gives in-depth commentaries on their esoteric meaning and significance for us. From Buddhist and biblical texts, European and Egyptian tales, Arthurian and Atlantean legends, this fascinating collection will appeal to anyone with an interest in the power of crystals and the eternal journey of the soul towards enlightenment.