Gem Talismans and Cures

Amber

Some people believed that this golden resin was solidified lynx urine. Others said it was the rays of the setting sun "congealed in the sea and then cast upon the shore." And to the poets of ancient Greece, amber represented the tears shed by the Heliades over the death of their brother Phaeton.

Whatever its origins, amber was widely used as a healing agent. Ground up and mixed with honey, it improved eyesight. Adding rose oil to the mixture moved the site of the cure from eye to ear, where it healed infections and, sometimes, deafness. To relieve asthma and whooping cough, amber oil was either swallowed or rubbed on the chest as a liniment.

Catarrh, tonsillitis, and running eyes/nose were alleviated when the sufferer inhaled fumes from burnt amber. This treatment was achieved by throwing powdered amber onto a hot brick. Burned amber also was used to ease labor pains. To cure jaundice, the stone was worn against the body so it could absorb the yellow from the skin.

Syrup of amber was employed as a sedative. And since opium was an important component of the mixture, this remedy probably was more effective than most. Holding a lump of amber in one's hand was thought to reduce fever or to cool the body on a hot day. Wearing a choker of amber beads cured coughs and reduced glandular swellings. Amber had a nonmedical use also: when laid on the breast of a sleeping wife, it was believed she would confess her evil deeds.

Amethyst

Grape-hued amethyst is most often associated with the god Bacchus, who is said to have created it. According to the legend, Bacchus, in a fit pique, threatened to sic tigers on a young girl who worshipped the goddess, Diana. Diana intervened, turning the girl (whose name was Amethyst) to clear stone. Afterwards, a remorseful Bacchus poured wine over the stone maiden, turning her glowing purple.

Amethyst was credited with the power to prevent intoxication when bound to the navel or when wine was drunk from an amethyst goblet. This gem also expelled poison, quickened the wits, protected soldiers, and cured gout. Drinking lotion of amethyst was supposed to cure barrenness; wearing it was believed to increase business success, guard against witchcraft, and restrain sexual passion. Amethyst is the traditional gem worn by the Catholic Church hierarchy.

Paradoxically, it is known as Bacchus' stone and as the Bishop's stone. In the latter context, it was said to strengthen faith and aid prayer. The natal stone for the month of February, it should be set in gold or silver for strongest effect.

Aquamarine

This cool, water-colored beryl has a long history of use as a curative substance. In common with many other blue or green stones, aquamarine was used to cure eye injuries. Remedy was effected in one of two ways. The first method involved grinding the stone very finely, passing the particles through a sieve to remove impurities. A small quantity of powder was then placed in the injured eye, and the patient was instructed to lie still until it took effect. The alternative measure was to soak the stone in water which was then used to bathe the injured eye.

Rubbing swollen glands with an aquamarine was believed to reduce the swelling. Wearing it prevented spasms, convulsions, and liver ailments. Seafarers often carried aquamarines engraved with the image of Poseidon, god of the sea, to protect themselves during storms.

Aquamarine also was a handy cure for an affliction which, although not serious, could be quite annoying - hiccoughs! Sufferers had only to drink water in which an aquamarine had been dipped to gain instant relief. Aquamarine is one of the birthstones for those born in March.

Bloodstone

Green flecked with red, the bloodstone is credited with many religious and curative properties. The red specks were thought to represent the blood of Christ, and the stone is often associated with the Crucifixion.

Because it was believed to stop bleeding, the heliotrope, as it is also called, was often carried by warriors. Its value to warriors was further enhanced because the bloodstone was thought to inspire courage and to ensure success in hazardous enterprises. Longevity was another benefit attributed to this gem. The weather also was affected by this stone, which was said to cause thunder, lightening, rain and tempest.

Coral

One of the most versatile gems, coral was used to cure everything, from indigestion to acne to fits. The red variety was employed to ease various blood ailments. A prescription of ½ drachm of powdered coral was used to stop hemorrhages. Tincture of red coral cured diseases of the liver and was employed as a diuretic.

Babies received particular benefit from coral, which eased teething pains when worn. Powdered and mixed with mother's milk (10 grains), it was supposed to avert epilepsy and to help the child gain weight. White coral, worn as a necklace, was thought to stop abdominal colic and indigestion. Drunk powdered in milk (60 grains), it cured acidity. A concoction of coral, emerald, and saffron, wrapped in the skin of a cat, was employed to combat fever.

Believed to have a special affinity with women, coral was believed to change its hue from deep to pale in accordance with the menstrual cycle. Other properties of this versatile gem included the power to avert tempests at sea (bind to the mast with sealskin), repel rabies, ward off the evil eye, and cure madness (including hydrophobia).

Diamond

Of the myriad legends surround the glittering diamond, one of the most widespread was the belief that it could determine guilt or innocence. The test was simple. If the accused was guilty, the adjudicating diamond would grow dark. In the presence of innocence, however, it would glow with increased brilliance. Symbolic of innocence, justice, faith, and strength, the diamond was believed to make its wearers courageous and to make them victorious over their enemies. When set in gold and worn on the left side, it had the power to drive away nightmares and to tame wild beasts.

Because a diamond was believed to sweat in the presence of poison, it was used to detect it. The gem frequently was worn to ward off poison, yet it was believed to be deadly when swallowed.

The finest diamonds were believed capable of reproducing themselves. It was thought that these special stones, when moistened with morning dew and left in the dark, would multiply. Other uses for diamonds were to ensure strong bones, to stop lechery, and to protect both the mother and baby during childbirth. The Hindus believed that this brilliant gem owed its origin to bolts of lightning striking rocks. The talismanic virtue of the diamond was said to be lost if the stone was purchased. To be effective the gem had to be given as a pledge of love or friendship. April's birthstone is said to be the most potent when set in steel.

Emerald

Venus' gem, the brilliant green emerald is surrounded by rich lore. Emerald was worn to guard against plague, falling sickness, and venomous bites. As with other blue and green gems, it was considered to be an eye stone, and bathing the eyes with water in which this stone had soaked for six hours would cure most ailments.

Generally prescribed in dosages of 6 to 10 grains, finely powdered, the emerald was believed to relieve gout, liver complaints, and jaundice. It was held in the mouth to stop hemorrhage, and was placed on the belly and in the mouth to cure dysentery. Bound to a woman's thigh, this stone was thought to ease childbirth; a cataplasm of emerald was used to cure leprosy.

King Arthur's "San Graal," the Holy Grail, was carved from a large emerald, and so the gem became a symbol of chastity. In fact, it was believed that this pristine gem would break apart in the presence of lust, so its wearers were forced to choose between it and their passions. Mystical powers attributed to the emerald included the ability to foretell the future (place the stone under the tongue). One of its primary uses was to reveal adultery, since it was believed to grow dark when a lover was faithless.

An interesting fancy concerning the emerald's origin was that the stone was "born" white and gradually "ripened" to its green hue.

Although emeralds were beneficial to human eyes, other creatures were not so fortunate. If a serpent gazed upon an emerald, it would be blinded. People born in May have emerald for their natal stone and are supposed to wear it set in gold.

Garnet

According to the Talmud, Noah's ark was illuminated by a brilliant garnet. The ancient Greeks also attributed light giving properties to this glowing gem, which they called the "lamp stone," believing that it enabled its wearer to see in the dark. Cabochon garnets are known as carbuncles, which means "glowing coal." One superstition states that dragons' eyes were made of carbuncles.

Several curative properties were ascribed to the garnet. With other red and yellow gems, it shared the ability to staunch bleeding and cure blood ailments. Used as a heart stimulant, it was believed so effective that people were cautioned not to overuse it, lest they be stricken with apoplexy. This belief in the stone's potency is perhaps the reason that certain Asiatic tribes used garnet bullets, thinking them more deadly.

Garnets also were employed to cure "fluxions" of the eyes (tie to forehead with linen), dissolve tartar in the body, control incontinence, and ward off the plague. They were worn to drive out nightmares and evil thoughts - and, thereby, to relieve insomnia. January's natal stone, which comes in a variety of hues - from deep red through orange, yellow, brown, and even green - should be set in gold for maximum benefit. It is a traditional symbol of constancy. It is said to assure its wearer riches, good health, and joy.

Hematite

This metallic grey mineral has a long history of medicinal use. Tumors on the eyelids were treated with hematite dissolved in egg white or fenugreek. General inflammation of the eyelids only needed a solution of hematite in water. Ground to a powder, it was used to cure blood diseases (3 grains in oil) and to soothe skin ulcerations or burns. Hematite also was used to treat bilious disorders (rub with a moistened whetstone until a red juice is obtained).

Jade

Jade was known as the kidney stone, and it was widely employed as a remedy for renal disease. It was worn over this organ to break up kidney stones. Powdered and mixed with gold and silver, jade strengthened the lungs, the vocal organs, and the heart and prolonged life.

A potion of jade, rice, and dew was employed to harden bones, make muscles more supple, calm the mind, and purify the blood. Taken regularly, this prescription eliminated hunger and thirst as well as sensations of heat and cold.

Believed to protect the body from decay, jade was used for embalming. When worn around a child's neck jade would guard against infantile disease. It also was worn to relieve gastric pains and heartburn, to calm asthma, and to aid childbirth. Four grains, dissolved in wine, relieved bile. The Chinese referred to jade as the musical stone, because of the melodic tones it makes when struck.

Jet

Jet is sometimes called Black Amber. Like amber, it often was burned and the fumes inhaled to alleviate various conditions, including edema, colds, female disorders, and hysteria. Jet fumes also were used to detect loss of virginity, although the exact method is unclear.

Drinking water in which a piece of jet had been dipped was supposed to ease childbirth. Powdered jet and wax, formed into a salve, cured swollen glands. For some reason, this black stone was used for dental problems. A mixture of jet in wine relieved toothache and served as a fixative for loose teeth. The gem also was used as a dentifrice.

In Victorian times, jet was worn in mourning jewelry. But mourners were not its only wearers, since it was believed to ease arthritis of the knee and to prevent baldness.

Lapis Lazuli

Deep blue flecked with gold, the lapis lazuli was a staple of the medieval apothecary. To heal eye ailments, the eye was bathed with warm water in which a piece of lapis had soaked. Warming a lapis and applying it to the site of a swelling reduced the swelling.

Lapis was used to treat two reproductive conditions. A dose of 60 grams prevented miscarriage. And, at the end of the cycle, ½ drachm powdered in egg was employed to expedite childbirth. Other uses of lapis were to cure apoplexy, purge melancholy, and as an antidote to serpent bites.

The stone is particularly appropriate for carving, and many ancient talismans were fashioned from it. According to one legend, lapis lazuli was the stone upon which Moses' Ten Commandments were graved.

Malachite

This opaque stone banded and swirled in shades of green, had myriad uses. External application of malachite and honey stanched bleeding and relieved cramps. Powdered and dissolved in milk, it relieved cardiac pains. Taken in wine, it cured ulcers. Six grains were an effective purgative.

Babies derived special benefit from this green gem which, when attached to their cradles, helped them sleep by driving out evil spirits. Adult wearers of the stone became impervious to seduction. Protection from vertigo, cholera, and lightning were other benefits of malachite.

Moonstone

As its name suggests, this luminous stone was thought to have a strong link with the moon. In fact, the movement of light across its surface was believed to reflect the waxing and waning of that heavenly body. When placed in the mouth during full moon, the moonstone enabled lovers to foretell the future of their relationship. Since another of the gem's attributes was to arouse the tender passions, this fortunetelling ability was very useful.

The moonstone was used to ward off cancers and to make one invisible. Alchemists employed moonstone in their efforts to change base metals to gold. Appropriately, moonstone protected its wearer from lunacy. For those born in June, the moonstone is one of their gems.

Opal

Like a rainbow shining through luminous clouds, the multi-hued fires of the opal shimmer. Some people believed that opals were actually bits of rainbow that had fallen to the ground. Others thought that the opal's coloring resembled the complexion of the god of love, and called it the "Cupid stone."

Opals were used to cure eye disease (wrap in a bay leaf), infections, heart disease, and malignancies. Opal also was believed to prevent conception.

Peculiarly attuned to its owner's moods and health, opal would glow brightly to indicate joy and good health. When a person died, it was believed that the opal's fires would be quenched. The gem was sometimes known as the patron stone of thieves, because it was thought to confer invisibility. Fair haired women wore opals to keep their tresses bright.

Black opals have always been considered particularly lucky. It was believed that when a love passion was conceived in the presence of a black opal, the gem would absorb the emotion. Ever after, the fire of that passion would glow in the stone. For this reason, the black opal is sometimes referred to as the "passion stone." October's natal gem is a symbol of hope.

Pearl

The soft, lustrous beauty of the pearl had led it to become a symbol of purity and virtue, and many are the virtues and legends attached to it. The Arabs called pearls "tears of the gods," and said they were formed by drops of rain falling into oyster shells. By the Chinese, pearls are regarded as the hidden soul of the oyster. And "margarithe," another name for this gem, means "child of light."

Taken in milk, pearls were used to cure ulcers, while 6 grains in water sweetened with manna (ash tree sap) warded off the plague. Burnt pearl powder drunk in water stopped hemorrhages; inhaled, it cured headache. Oil of pearls was believed to fortify the nerves. Applying the oyster shell containing a pearl to the affected area healed leprosy and other skin diseases. The gem was considered beneficial for easing indigestion, curing hemorrhoids, and counteracting poison. Nursing women took pearl concoctions to make their milk healthy and plentiful. Pearls also were essential toiletry articles, used to clean face and teeth.

Although the pearl was a symbol of chastity, it was considered a potent aphrodisiac -- and a mere ½ grain dose would cure impotence. The Hindus deemed this gem appropriate as a wedding gift; the ceremonial piercing of a perfect ("virgin") pearl often formed a part of the nuptial ritual.

Despite the many virtues of this gem, there were limitations and, even, risks attached to using it. In fact, defective pearls were believed to cause all manner of discomfort, from disgrace and misfortune to insanity, leprosy, and death.

Like diamonds, pearls were credited with the ability to reproduce themselves. The quality was attributed to every ninth pearl, each of which was placed in a bottle with two grains of rice and left to breed. Pearl is one of the birthstones for the month of June.

Peridot

Peridot, also known as chrysolite or olivine, was usually set in gold and worn on the left side. It was used to dispel night terrors and to ward off fevers. Strung on the hair of an ass and worn on the left arm, it protected against evil spirits.

August's birthstone was credited with the power to make the wearer gracious and loving. It also was used to foretell the future.

Quartz

One of the oldest stones used for curative purposes, quartz (or rock crystal) was used in first century Rome as a cauterizing agent. In sixteenth century Germany, it was known as the "vertigo stone" because it was thought to prevent dizziness. Powdered and mixed in dry wine, it was used to cure dysentery; in honey it helped mothers nurse their babies.

Ruby

Deep, glowing red, the ruby is sometimes said to contain the original spark of life, "a drop of the heart's blood of Mother Earth." Stories are told of a magnificent ruby which possessed youth giving properties. When rubbed on the body, this miraculous stone would remove visible signs of aging.

Because of its flame color, the ruby was used to make water boil. Powers of the ruby were many: it warded off plagues and pestilence (worn on the left side), made the wearer prudent, drove away melancholy, restrained lust, and ensured good harvests. When the color darkened, the wearer was warned of approaching danger. Inserted in the flesh, it made one strong and invincible.

Rubies were used to guard against the elements, and it was said that if a ruby was touched to the four corners of a house or garden, it would ward off tempest, lightning, and worms. The Burmese believed that rubies "ripened in color" while in the earth. For those born in July, the ruby is their natal gem, and they will find it most beneficial when set in gold.

Sapphire

Sacred to the god Apollo, the sapphire was often called the "celestial stone" because of its deep blue color. Religion plays a large role in the lore of the sapphire. It was an ecclesiastical gem, symbolic of purity. To derive the most benefit from this holy stone, therefore, it was necessary to be pure oneself. Sapphires were used to cure all eye ailments, purify the blood, fortify the heart, and relieve flatulence. Mixed with milk, this gem dried up ulcers, boils, and pustules. Sapphire was lethal to venomous insects and reptiles.

Sapphires were believed to have gender: dark stones were designated female, light ones were male. September's birthstone is thought to make its wearers amiable, wise, virtuous, and strong.

Sardonyx

Composed of alternating layers of red-brown, sand, and white onyx, sardonyx is often used for carving cameos. Roman soldiers wore this gem engraved with the figure of Mars or Hercules to give themselves courage. Its medicinal use was as a cure for snake bite and other poisons.

Because it was thought to make the wearer eloquent, sardonyx was prized by orators and by bashful lovers. Women used it as a charm to capture the object of their love interest. As a gem to helpful to lovers, it is not surprising that the sardonyx symbolizes marital happiness. It is an alternate birthstone for August.

Topaz

The golden topaz was believed to possess many virtues. A symbol of friendship, it was thought to calm anger and guard against envy. Its powers preserved the wearer from "spiritual heats" and "all manner of love excesses." This calming influence extended to inanimate objects as well: topaz was used to cool boiling water and to quench thirst. Despite such calming influences, however, it was a powerful aphrodisiac and was often used to treat sexual dysfunction.

Powdered and mixed with rosewater, topaz prevented bleeding; nosebleeds could be stopped by pressing a stone against the side of the nose. It was believed that madness could be cured by a dose of topaz and wine. As a guard against sorcery, topaz was worn, set in gold, on the left arm. It also was believed to cure cowardice, remove tumors, improve eyesight, aid digestion, and prevent sleepwalking. Mariners used the golden gem to provide light on moonless nights. November's natal stone was believed to bring to its wearer long life, beauty, and intelligence.

Tourmaline

Although a relative newcomer to the gem world, tourmaline has been credited with several curative uses. The gem was used to strengthen teeth and bones and to shrink varicose veins. Tourmaline possesses magnetic properties that cause it to give off a soothing tingle when rubbed with a piece of silk. For this reason, it was attributed with the ability to enable sleep and calm nerves. This gem also was thought to prevent baldness.

Pink tourmaline was thought to make its wearer popular, while the green variety increased business prowess. In cases of infertility, a bi-colored, "watermelon" tourmaline, placed in the region of the ovary, was believed to stimulate ovulation. And dreaming of a tourmaline foretold accidents.

Tourmaline is found in almost every gemstone color: pink, green, yellow, blue, brown, and mixtures of these colors. It is an alternative birthstone for October.

Turquoise

Turquoise is one of the oldest known talismanic and curative gems, prized by many civilizations and cultures. Because of its changeable color, it was thought to predict the weather, indicate illness, and warn of poison. It was used to strengthen eyesight and was believed to cure blindness.

Attached as an amulet to the bridle of a horse (or mule or camel), conferred on the animal the protection of surefootedness. Affixed to a gun or bow was supposedly a way to ensure accuracy of aim.Turquoise was believed to keep its wearer from injury or death if (s)he fell from a cliff. The stone symbolized success and good fortune, and often was worn as a love charm. To tell the time, a turquoise was suspended by a string inside a glass, against which it would strike the hours.

According to legend, December's birthstone originated in the wet earth at the end of the rainbow.

Zircon

Zircon's ancient name was jacinth or hyacinth. The amber-colored variety, nicknamed the lynx stone, was worn over the solar plexus in a brown cloth bag, to cure insomnia. Powdered zircon was used to stimulate the heart and to stop convulsions and cramps. Hung around the neck, it protected against plague and wounds.

Farmers counted on the zircon to provide a good harvest and to guard against lightning. Holding the stone in one's mouth was believed to cheer the heart and mind. Zircon also was thought to ensure prudence in business matters, ward off poison, and exorcise the devil. To accomplish this last, a cross was first incised into a loaf of hot wheat bread. The zircon was then traced along the cut while a prayer was recited, and then the bread was eaten.

Zircon is one of December's natal gems.

Venice Treacle

Combine "Armenian stone" (blue carbonate of copper), pearls, charred stag's horn, and coral. Cures blood poisoning, malaria, malignant fevers.

Gascoign's Powder

Oriental bezar (kidney stone of a goat), white amber, red coral, crab's eyes, powdered hartshorn, pearl, black crab's claws. Basic life-saving cordial.

Pearl Pills

Soak a long pearl in malt or in an infusion of serpent gall, honeycomb and pumice. When the pearl becomes plastic, pull it to a length of 2 or 3 feet. Cut into short pieces. Used as a youth elixir. Also used to depress appetite.

Aqua Perlata

Dissolve pearls in vinegar, lemon juice, or spirits of vitriol until they become liquid. Add more juice; decant. Add sugar to sweeten. To 4 parts pearl liquid, add 1 part each of rosewater, tincture of strawberries, borage flowers, and balm, and 2 parts cinnamon water. Shake before using. Doses of 1 or 1-1/2 ounces will restore strength and cure pestilential fevers.

Cure for Plague

Combine 1/6 of a drachm each of pearl, zircon, emerald, and coral. Grind to a powder.

Pearl Face Wash

Dissolve 2 or 3 ounces of seed pearls in distilled vinegar. Add oil of tartar. Let sediment form, then pour off liquid. Rinse with spring water, then dry the pearl powder over warm embers.

Tincture of Rock Crystal

Heat crystal to high temperature, then put into cold water (it will fracture). Heat the fragments with tartaric salts and reduce to a liquid solution. Take half the solution and distill with wine until the mixture turns red. Repeat the process several times until a tincture of pure rock crystal remains. Doses up to 40 drops. Use to cure dropsy, lymphatic swelling, or hypochondriac melancholy.

Magisterium of Rock Crystal

Heat a pound of crystal to high temperature and dip into spirits of vitriol. Repeat 10 times, then grind (on marble slab) to a fine powder. Remedy for gout or calculi. Filter the vitriol through blotting paper to make crystal spirits of vitriol. Seven to 10 drops in a cup of meat broth may be used as a diuretic.

Tincture of Coral

Bury a branch of red coral in melted wax. Leave it over a fire for 2 days, until the coral fades and the wax turns ruddy. Repeat. Break the wax into crusts, and steep the crusts in alcohol until the alcohol turns red. Use as a diuretic.

Divine Liquor of Jade

Place equal parts of jade, rice, and dew water in a copper pot. Boil, then filter the remaining liquid. Use this elixir to harden the bones, make muscles strong and supple, calm the mind, and purify the blood.

Acknowledgements

In creating the artwork used in this lens I incorporated images provided to Wikipedia Commons by Rob Lavinsky Ph.D. and made available for public use. I am grateful to Dr. Lavinsky for his generosity and for his excellent photography.