TALISMANIC USE OF PRECIOUS STONES 107
The
remarkable asteria, known as the ' ' Star of India, ' ' in the
Morgan-Tiffany Collection in the American Museum of Natural History,
has a more or less indefinite historic record of some three centuries,
but after its many wanderings it has now found a worthy resting-place
in the great Museum. Its weight is 543 carats.119
The
asteria, or star sapphire, might be called a ' ' Stone of Destiny," as
the three cross-bars which traverse it are believed to represent Faith,
Hope, and Destiny. As the stone is moved, or the light changes, a
living star appears. As a guiding gem, warding off ill omen and the
Evil Eye, the star-sapphire is worn for the same reasons as were the oculus mundi and the oculus Belt. One
of the most unique of talismanic stones, it is said to be so potent
that it continues to exercise its good influence over the first wearer
even when it has passed into other hands.
The
sard was regarded as a protection against incantations and sorcery,
and was believed to sharpen the wits of the wearer, rendering him
fearless, victorious, and happy.120 The red hue of this
stone was supposed to neutralize the malign influence of the dark oynx,
driving away the bad dreams caused by the latter and dispelling the
melancholy thoughts it inspired.
"*
The subject of the origin, development and reform of the carat-weight
has been fully treated by the author in the Trans, of the Soc. of Min.
Engineers, 1913, pp. 1225-1245, " The New International Metric Diamond
Carat of 200 milligrams."
120 Marbodei, " De lapidibus," Friburgi, 1531, fol. 50, note of Pictor Villengensis.
