Precious Stones and their uses in bygone times. 11
among the Greeks, a didactic History of Precious Stones ; which indicates that their knowledge of them was not superficial.
Onomacritus,
a Priest and founder of Hellenic mysteries, 500 years B.C., treated of
Precious Stones and their mysterious power. Commencing with the bright
transparent crystal, he says, " Whoso goes into the Temple with this in
his hand may be quite sure of having his prayer granted ; as the gods
cannot withstand its power." Further, he states, that when this stone
is laid upon dry wood, so that the sun's rays may shine upon it, there
will soon be seen smoke, then fire, then a bright flame This flame was
known as holy fire, and it was believed that no sacrifice was
so acceptable to the gods as when offered through its agency. In like
manner Onomacritus sang the praises and supernatural power of the
Agate, the Topaz, the spring-green Jasper, Amber, Chrysolite, Coral and
Opal.
The
superstitions attached to these and other stones were not confined to
the Ancients. Even in this enlightÂened age, EugĂ©nie, the late Empress
of France, would not wear a precious Opal because it was said to bring
ill luck to the wearer. Queen Victoria, on the contrary, having no such
superstition presented each of her daughters, on her marriage, with a
parure of Opals and Diamonds.
After
the early Greek period the knowledge of Precious Stones advanced.
Herodotus must have had accurate acquaintance with many of them. He
mentions, besides the Emerald in Polycrates' ring, signet rings, such
as that of Darius ; and speaks of the so-called Emerald column in the
Temple of Hercules at Tyre, which at night gave out a wonderful light.
Plato mentions the Sard, Jasper, and Emerald. The Adamas, Amber, and
Loadstone were not unknown to him ; and he shows some
