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PRECIOUS STONES
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beryl
be placed in water, the water will appear to be moved. Many believed it
to be beneficial to the eyes. Wise men asserted that the emerald had
such an influence upon the passions as to keep the wearer chaste, or,
failing, that it would break.
The
name amethyst was given to the purple crystal from an impression that
wine taken from a cup made of it could not intoxicate. It was said to
sharpen the wits, resist the effects of poison, destroy sleep, and, if
worn upon the stomach, by drawing the vapors to itself, hinder
eructation.
Carnelian
was credited with making one strong of heart and free from fear, and of
being a good protection against witchcraft, fascinations, and
putrefaction of humors.
Onyx
made into an amulet and worn about the neck was a preventive against
epileptic fits. It would also excite the passions and stir up strife.
Some said it was an antidote for melancholy, drove away evil spirits,
and insured victory to the wearer.
A
bloodstone placed in water beneath the sun's rays would make it boil,
and the steam from it obscure the light of the sun like an eclipse. The
magicians claimed that, if it was first anointed with the juice of the
marigold, one carrying it could walk invisible.
An
authority on gems said that the hyacinth, worn in a ring as an amulet,
would give riches, honor, and wisdom, drive away plagues, cheer the
heart, bring sleep, and, if need be, procure thunder.
The
belief of the Indians that one wearing a cat's-eye would not want for
riches was adopted by many of their more enlightened white brethren of
the West.
The
Greeks had faith in the power of the opal to secure for its wearer
universal good-will, and thieves wore it because those who stood by the
wearer could not see or did not mind what was being done.
Eugenie, of France, would not wear an opal, for fear of
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