Gemlore: Ancient Secrets and Modern Myths from the Stone Age to the Rock Age
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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.
Agate: Goodness and Grounding 1Amber: Sun, Seas, and Trees 13Amethyst: Temperance, Royalty, and Spirituality 23Aquamarine: Sea Nymphs, Tears, and Treasure 30Bloodstone: Blood, Men, and Martyrs 33Carnelian: The Mecca Stone 39Cat's-Eye: The Cry of the Demon 46Chalcedony: The Beautiful Weapon 49Chrysoprase: Grace-Giving Green 53Citrine: Happiness and Wealth 56Coral: The Antidote to Tempests 59Diamond: The Invincible 65Emerald: Peace, Wisdom, and Immortality 77Garnet: The Magic Bullet 86Hematite: Blood and Iron 91Jade: The Dragon Seed 95Jasper: Rejoicing the Hearts of the Gods 102Jet: Symbol of Sorrow - and Virginity Tester 108Lapis Lazuli: Blue Heaven and Golden Stars 112Malachite: Eye of Peacock, Eye of Hours 117Moonstone: The Goddess Within 121Onyx: The Lonely Stone 125Opal: The Rainbow Stone 130Pearl: Cultured and Pure 136Peridot: Zabargad's Secret 145Rock Crystal: The Visionary Rainmaker 149Rose Quartz: The Heart of Love 156Ruby: Precious, Passionate, and Powerful 159Sapphire: The Stone of Heaven 164Sardonyx: A Cure for Stupidity 172Smoky Quartz: Dark Magic 175Topaz: Containing the Demons, Controlling the Winds 178Turquoise: The Balancing Stone 183Zircon: The Renegade Gem 190Selected Bibliography 195Index 197
