Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-07-18
VIRTUES IN PRECIOUS sToNEs,
Some OF the supertitions In Regard 10 IT,
Rare Gem.
From Chambers Journal

hAafc eefh.
From Chambers journal.
IL is not merely ON account cf their beauty
and great rarity that precious stones have from
remote ages been held in the highest favor, al
though, no doubt, these alone are the reasons
that have weight with us at the present day.
Imitation gems are almost ms pleasing TO many
people as the genuine ones; and when they are
worn simply for personal adornment, theis
comparative cheapness is certainly an advan-
tage to those of slender means Moreover,
precious stones are often so cleverly i'm
itated that it is very difficult for any one
but an expert to distinguish q spurious gen
from a real one.
There was a time, however. when these stones
we re often priced and worn for other reasons
than their beauty; and, therefore, even the
most perfect limitations would in such cases
ave been regarded as utterly valueless. OF
course it must be inferred that our ancestors
a ways wore valuable gems, for even in thoss
days the poorer classes had TO content them
selves with cheap ornaments when they in
dulged IN hnery. But precious stones were
formerly supposed TO possess peculiar virtues
which, apart from any other considerations. rem
derec them more or less valuable. The reputcd
virtues OF some were OF a most miraculous
nature, and happy indeed the fortunate poe
SCISSORS Of these gems ought to have been.
Although popularity supposed TO be itself .
deadly poison the diamond has from remote
ages been credited with the power of protect
ing the wearer from the evil effects Of other
poisons. a reputation which il retained until
comparatively recent times. According TO
Pliny II also keeps of insanity. Amber. too,
was supposed to possess the latter virtue. Be-
sides the diamond several other stones we're
supposed to possess medicinal virtues The
ruby was considered good for arrangements Of
the liver as well as for bad eyes. The sapphire
and emerald we're also credited with properties
which rendered them capable Of influencing
ophthalmic disorders, and there is a supersti.
tous belief that serpents blinded by look
ing at the latter stone.
The turquois. although not credited with
either remedial or protective properties. 80 far
as disease was concerned was nevertheless re-
garded as kind of sympathetic indicator the
intensity OF its color being supposed to fuctu-
ate with the health of the wearer. The latter,
moreover, by virtue of the stone which he car
ried. could, 1t is said fall from any height with
IMMUNITY. The Marquis Of Nillena's fool, how
ever, was somewhat nearer the truth when be
reversed the popular superstition in his assep-
ton that the wearer OF a turquois might tall
from the top of high tower and be dashed TO
pieces without breaking the stone.
The opal was looked upon as q thunder.
stone. and although many women now appear
to have a strong supersttious prejudice against
wearing one. il Was in bygone dHye held In the
highest estimation, for il was supposed 70 COM
pihc VIC Nftuer VI etftfhi Olutf Seue. On the
other hand, the onyx-so named on account Of
resemblance TO the color OF the finger nails
could scarcely have been a nice stone 20 wear
for, according to medieval superstition, il rem.
dered one particularly susceptible to annoy.
ance from Nightmares and demons.
Temperance advocates, IL they have any re-
gard for the beliefs Of the Greeks and Romano
might seriously consider the adyisability oh
distributing amethysts among drunkards. for
il supposed that these stones prevented
ma rnaAA Of A. -
Romans as protection against the evil eye;
and popular superstition has credited the topas
with the power of depriving boiling water q
its heat.
however, were ascribed to the chimericJ
stones which many creatures were supposed
to carry in their heads Most OF our readers
have no doubt heard Of the precious jewel
which the toad carries in his brain box: and
so-called toad stones, which were in reality
the teeth Of fossil fish. were formerly
worn in finger rings as . protection against
poisons, at the presence Of which they were
supposed to change color. Il was thought
the best stones were those voluntarily
latter were not addicted 70 freely
giving up their treasures in that vay
It was necessary TO procure the coveted articles
by other means, and the recognized method
instant he swallowed his breath. The feat
naturally demanded considerable celebrity, such
as could only have been acquired BY constant
practice; and IL ID not unreasonable therefore.
to assume that although the endeav ors 20 gain
possession OF the jewel we're perhaps numerous
they must invariably have been unsatisfactory,
especially TO the toads. The eagle stone vas
considered an excellent thing 70 wear during
pregnancy, and the swallow carried in -
stomach stones Of great medicinal value.
The brain of the tortoist was supposed %
contain wonderful stone. which was efbcscious
IN ertinguishing fire and when placed under
the tongue would produce prophetic inspire
non. Another stone possessing the latter prop
erty was TO be found in the eye Of the hyenA
The head Of the cat, however, was thought 70
contain what would undoubtedly have been
the most wonderful and most desirable treas
ure Of all, could IL have only had Q real instead
Of an imaginary existence, for that man who
was 30 fortunate as 10 possess this precious
stone would have all his wishes granted