Gemstones are nature’s gift to mankind. There are many gemstones and these are put to various uses. No one can ignore the charm and beauty radiated by a perfectly faceted gem. Some beliefs about various gems are described…
The benevolent Nature has given us many fascinating gifts and naturally occurring gemstones are one of them.
Some legendary beliefs about various gemstones are described here:
Agate: Farmers believed that by wearing Agate gemstone as an amulet (Charm), their crops will be protected. In the Middle Eastern countries, it is believed that Agate cures infections of the intestines. In the Far East, red colored Agate is still believed to give protection from poisonous spiders and other insects.
Amber: There is a legend that the gem Amber was created out of the tear drops of a Greek god. In western parts of the world there is a popular belief that amber cures rheumatism. In Germany teething troubles of children are believed to be overcome by wearing a garland of ambers. People in Turkey believe that if amber is fixed on a ‘hubble-bubble’ (hukka),the smokers are protected from getting infections through other smokers who smoke the same hubble-bubble.
Amethyst:In Greece, people use cups made of amethyst for drinking wine as they believe that by drinking in these cups one does not get drunk.
In Rome married women wore amethyst with a belief that this will keep their husbands faithful to them and not run after other women. Amethyst was also believed to keep one in high spirits and inspired.The Romans strongly believed in the magical powers of amethyst. They believed it to impart piousness to the wearer.
Read more about Blue Sapphire, Carnelian, Chrysoprase, Conch Shells
Blue Sapphire:The Greeks still believe that if a woman wears a blue-sapphire on her body, she will not indulge in any immoral activity.
Carnelian:In the Middle East, the carnelian gemstone is believed to protect one from envy. Traders wear this gemstone with prayers engraved on it.Popularly worldwide Carnelian is believed to cure blood congestion in the head.
Chrysoprase:It is believed to protect the wearer from evil spirits and nightmares. Alexander the great wore it as a protection.
Conch Shells:In ancient China, rings studded with conch or oyster shells were worn with a belief
that it will cure stomach aches and related ailments.
Read more about Coral, Malachite, Pearls, Peridot
Coral:In Rome, a talisman (Charm)made with coral pieces is considered auspicious and capable of removing the bad effects of evil spirits. In Rome mothers tied chains made of Coral on cradles with a belief that it will ward off evil spirits catching their children.
Malachite: In ancient Egypt, malachite was widely used in medicine and also as a talisman. It was used as a lining for the head dresses of the pharaohs, with a belief to attract the higher energies, thereby making the wearer wiser.
Pearls: In some parts of India, infants are worn a locket made of silver and studded with natural pearls, to ward off evil eye and evil spirits.
Peridot: Romans wore it as a protection from evil spirits and magic spells. With this belief it was worn as a talisman by the king Edward the 7th of England.
Quartz crystal: Since long in many cultures worldwide the quartz is believed to possess magical properties. The Greeks considered quartz as frozen holy water given by gods. Quartz crystal was believed to be a living entity, and certain tribes used to nourish it with the blood of a deer.
Tiger’s eye: In India a Tiger’s Eye gemstone is worn as a charm with a belief to help the wearer in times of financial difficulties. This gemstone is also believed to guard a house, when a gem is placed at the entrance of the house.
Topaz: Romans believed that a Topaz guarded the wearer against spells of black magic.
Turquoise: It is believed that turquoise becomes more auspicious when it is received as a gift from others. Also, a turquoise when worn on body may change its color as a warning of some impending misfortune.
Article by:Jyotirvid Pawan Kumar
