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Gemstones have been valued throughout history for their beauty and rarity. As with many things that people value, legends have attached themselves to gemstones, infusing them with magic and power. Gemstones have been particularly known for their protective and healing powers. These stories begin in the earliest recorded history.
Hematite is one of the oldest of valued minerals. The ancient Egyptians used Hematite in the creation of magic amulets. Hematite was considered a curative mineral for madness. Babylonians wore Hematite amulets to gain favor with kings. The word for Hematite comes from the Greek word for blood and Hematite was associated with the God of War, whom the Greeks considered evil. The Romans, however, revered war and used Hematite as a protection against battle. Powdered Hematite has been mixed with water and used as a blood substitute in some religious rituals.
Two other ancient gemstones were Jasper and Turquoise. Turquoise mines in the Sinai Peninsula were worked as far back as 5500 B.C. Turquoise was believed to prevent accidents, and cure diseases of the head and heart. The ancient Egyptians believe turquoise could heal cataracts. In fact, turquoise, carnelian, and lapis lazuli were the most used gems by the ancient Egyptians. The Navajo believed that Turquoise set into the opening to a home would bar entrance by evil spirits. Some sources also believe Turquoise was among the stones set in the Biblical breastplate of Aaron.
Another stone from the breastplate of Aaron, jasper is referred to often in the Bible. The Greeks also valued jasper, believing that a piece of jasper would ease the pain of childbirth if tied to the laboring woman’s thigh. Jasper was used as a talisman to prevent drowning and scorpion bites. Some Native Americans believed that jasper would bring rain and protect against unseen dangers in the night.
Yet another gem found in the breastplate of Aaron was amethyst. But amethyst’s most well known legends come from Ancient Greece. Amethyst was believed to protect the wearer against drunkenness. This belief came from an Ancient Greek myth about a beautiful young girl named Amethyst who was changed into a purple stone by the goddess Diana to protect her from the wrath of Dionysus, the Greek god of wine.
In Mexico, Central and South America, amethyst sculptures have been found shaped like skulls. These skulls and other quartz crystal skulls have been found among artifacts dating to the ninth and tenth century. In the early 1900s, one such skull was discovered in Guatemala, Mexico. This skull, and another made from clear quartz crystal, was taken to Hewlett Packard for study. It was discovered that the skull was carved against the natural grain (called the axis) of the crystal. This would have been nearly impossible to accomplish as the smallest error could have shattered the skulls. Psychics who have examined the skulls claim they emit energy that causes images of the past to be seen by psychics who gaze at them. Although the validity of the skulls have been questioned, many people consider them genuine artifacts of ancient peoples.
Carnelian is another mineral used by the ancients, and believed to have been found in the breastplate of Aaron. But even before the days of Aaron, some of the oldest examples of jewelry contained Carnelian. Archaeologists have discovered a Sumerian Queen from the third millennium with robes that contained Carnelian. Ancient Egyptian tombs have been the source of many examples of Carnelian jewels because they believed amulets of Carnelian could help ensure the passage of the Ka (soul) into the afterlife.
Garnet has been found throughout history to bring both good and evil to the user. Garnet has been found in jewelry from remains from Sweden (from 1100 B.C.), Samaria (2300 B.C.), and Egypt (3100 B.C.). The Egyptians believed garnets would cast light for passage to the afterlife. Legend has it that garnets illuminated the Ark for Noah. Garnet appeared in the breastplate of Aaron. Garnet was believed to fend of evil spirits and the Crusaders wore garnets to protect them in battle and return them safely to their loved ones. Garnet was also believed to protect the wearer from poison. However, in India, tribal soldiers fired at the British army with garnet bullets. Garnet was believed to be more fatal to the enemy than more conventional bullets.
The idea of gemstones having magical properties is still believed by some today. For example, some people believe Hematite has important metaphysical properties for healing blood disorders. Turquoise is thought to help regenerate tissue, and revitalize the blood. It is also used in meditation to bring peach and emotional balance. Amethyst is believed to enhance compassion and strengthen relationships.
Thus, gemstones have lost none of their fascination and magic for people. Although different gems become popular for their rarity or beauty – there remains an air of mystery about gemstones that make them valued beyond money and beauty. That is the truest magic of gemstones.
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