THE MYSTICAL POWER OF PRECIOUS STONES.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIV, Issue 3, 3 January 1903, Page 3

THE MYSTICAL POWER OF PRECIOUS STONES.

Ancient, mediaeval, and' modern literature contain numerous allusions to the popular belief that precious stones are gifted with supernatural powers and exert' some inexplicable influence on the fate of individuals and peoples. Consequently, a few re* marks on the subject will render such references more intelligible. Precious stones have been used as talismans by people of all nations, commencing in the east and then extending westward over the European Continent, with the result that in the Middle Ages this belief in the supernatural power of gems became universal, and traces of it are yet to be found amongst certain •communities. The occult power of the so-called diamond ball of Dr. Dee were generally accredited, and caused the popular belief to gain ground. This ball, made of rock crystal, is now in th« British Museum. The cuneiform inscriptions of Assyria refer to seven black stones personifying the same number of planets which were adored in the

principal temples. The famous black stone of the Kaaba, a shrine in the Mosque of Mecca, was said to be one of the precious stcsnes which fell to the earth at the creation of Adam; it was afterwards lost and restored by the Angel Gabriel. According to more popular opinion, it was one of Adam's guardian angels changed into stone and expelled with him for lack of vigilance. At the resurrection tlie angel will recover his form and appear as a witness before God in favour of all faithful Moslems -who have made a pilgrimage to Mecca. Originally it was a jacinth of dazzling whiteness, but ihas grown black by contact witL the lips of the pilgrims. In the south-east corner of the second shrine there is another holy stone whioh pilgrims may touch but not kiss. The serpent has from time immemorial been, invested with mysterious powers, possibly on account of the gems supposed to be concealed in its head. Some were said to have jacinth eyes, others emerald collars; Milton's serpent had carbuncle eyes. The toad, according to Shakspere, "wears a precious jewel in his head," and we have a toadstone regarded as an antidote for poison. The Bezon or Beza ; stone was obtained from a wild animal of Arabia, and employed as a charm against plague and poison. Two infallible tests are given for this stone. When placed in the mouth it will give a leap and adhere to the palate; or when placed in. a glass of water will make the liquid boil. Amongst the jewels of James L was a large Beza stone set in gold, which had belonged to Qneen Ediza-beth. According to tradition, precious stones were obtained from the vulture, eagle, swallow, raven, tortoise, hyena, atork, and even the cat. A Peruvian animal called the Carbunculo the size of a fox, is invisible in day time, and at night emits a brilliant light fto-m a precious jewel in its forehead. The most remarkable stone mentioned in history was in the shape of a helmet found in the River Eurotas. At sound of the Spartan trumpet it leaped On to the bank, and at that of the Athenians back into the water. The Lapis Assius of the Greeks employed for sarcophagi absorbed a deceased body in 40 days, and Beothius mentions a stone which would consume the flesh of living persons. Some precious stones were heralds of cvil —as the onyx when worn alone, but together with the sard it lost this baneful ■ quality. Opinion in the unluckiness of the opal became very popular after publication of "Anne of Gierstein." The beryl Was said to reveal secrets past and future. Engraved gems cured diseases and drove away evil spirits. The virtues of the agate in this respect were generally recognised in the Middle Ages. An agate -was said to be kept in the old church of St. Paul, London, to cure disorders of the eyes. The serpent was supposed to be blinded at sight of an emerald. In "Lalla fiookh" are the linw"Blinded 11 ke serpent when they gaze "Upon the emerald's virgia blase." The Shah of Persia was said to have a diamond which made him invincible, and another which compelled conspirators to confess. King Solomon had a ruby which gave him powef over demons and genii, and revealed to him all he desired to know in heaven and earth. In ancient times precious stones were Said to be animated, breathe, and increase or decrease their size at will. In "Paradise Lost" we are informed of the value of the diamond in defensive armour. Chaucer alludes to the power of gems in the "Romance of the Rose." The San Graal was a cup made of a single stone, said to be an emerald detached from the crown of Satan when he fell from heaven. It is said to have figured at the Last Supper, and to have received the blood of Christ dying , on the Cross.