The Most Comprehensive Modern Lapidary Gems have been prized for thousands of years, not only for their beauty and rarity, but also for their supposed mystic and magical qualities. This book, in the tradition of ancient lapidaries, traces the use of gems in religion, medicine, magic, and astrology.
Amethyst comes from the anointed body of a Greek maiden.
Ruby , whether male or female, can boil water and heal wounds. Turquois protects the rider against a fall from a horse. Amber contains trapped fairies, angels, and the souls of ancestors. These and thousands of other beliefs regarding gems have been collected and chronicled by the author. Myths, legends, and lore gathered from numerous cultures are included for each stone.