
- 232 pages
- English
- PDF
- Available on iOS & Android
About this book
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.
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Information
Table of contents
- Contents
- Preface
- Introduction
- Agate: Goodness and Grounding
- Amber: Sun, Seas, and Trees
- Amethyst: Temperance, Royalty, and Spirituality
- Aquamarine: Sea Nymphs, Tears, and Treasure
- Bloodstone: Blood, Men, and Martyrs
- Carnelian: The Mecca Stone
- Cat’s-Eye: The Cry of the Demon
- Chalcedony: The Beautiful Weapon
- Chrysoprase: Grace-Giving Green
- Citrine: Happiness and Wealth
- Coral: The Antidote to Tempests
- Diamond: The Invincible
- Emerald: Peace, Wisdom, and Immortality
- Garnet: The Magic Bullet
- Hematite: Blood and Iron
- Jade: The Dragon Seed
- Jasper: Rejoicing the Hearts of the Gods
- Jet: Symbol of Sorrow—and Virginity Tester
- Lapis Lazuli: Blue Heaven and Golden Stars
- Malachite: Eye of Peacock, Eye of Horus
- Moonstone: The Goddess Within
- Onyx: The Lonely Stone
- Opal: The Rainbow Stone
- Pearl: Cultured and Pure
- Peridot: Zabargad’s Secret
- Rock Crystal: The Visionary Rainmaker
- Rose Quartz: The Heart of Love
- Ruby: Precious, Passionate, and Powerful
- Sapphire: The Stone of Heaven
- Sardonyx: A Cure for Stupidity
- Smoky Quartz: Dark Magic
- Topaz: Containing the Demons, Controlling the Winds
- Turquoise: The Balancing Stone
- Zircon: The Renegade Gem
- Selected Bibliography
- Index