In this post, I'll list the stones mentioned in The Curious Lore of Precious Stones with their supposed virtues. All information in this post, unless otherwise specified, is based on what the author tells us. Most of the information can be found in this section of the book. This is not a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice. I like cool rocks as much as anyone, and I do pay attention to their meanings, but therapy and medicine are very important when we need them.
Aetites (eagle stone)
Associated with the planet of the Sun.
Agates make the wearer persuasive and agreeable while giving them "the favor of God." The wearer gains victory and strength, as well as protection from storms. (Don't test that last one.) It seems that the black-and-white or entirely white varieties of the stone were the "strongest" in the virtues so far mentioned. Agate was also believed to fight sleepless nights and allow for peaceful dreams. All varieties are "useful for acquiring riches." It seems like a good stone to wear to a job interview!
Agate is associated with the name Agnes, according to a chart in the book.
Associated with the zodiac signs Gemini and Cancer.
Associated with the planets of Mercury, Venus, and Mars.
A suggested engraving for the agate: Hercules. A man with knees bent, holding a club in his hand and killing a lion; sometimes a man with a lion’s skin in his hand or on his shoulder and holding a club. Sign: Scorpio. Nature: Venus and Mercury. Engraved on a stone that brings victory, like the agate, it renders the wearer victorious in all conflicts in the field.
When seen in dreams, this stone represents a journey. If it is the moss agate variety, this stone represents an unsuccessful journey.
Alectoria (capon stone/rooster stone)
Associated with the planet of the Sun.
This stone is particularly important to Russians, being named for Alexander II. It is considered a good omen in that country. Alexandrite is associated with the name Alexander (clearly).
Amber has been used longer than we can truly say. It was almost certainly one of the first "stones" used by humans in a decorative sense, given that it is fairly soft and easy to shape.
Amber is associated with the name Anne, though I imagine it should also be associated with the name Amber.
Associated with the planet of the Sun.
When seen in dreams, this stone represents a voyage.
Amethyst protects against drunkenness, not just of alcohol, but also of love. People who are overly excited with the "love-passion" could be brought back to a "sober" state with this stone. It was also credited with controlling evil thoughts, quickening the intellect, and making men shrewd in business deals. It protected soldiers and gave victory to both soldiers and hunters.
A Roman myth tells that Bacchus was in a bad mood and decided to feed the first mortal he saw to his tigers. He came upon a girl named Amethyst, who prayed to Diana. Diana turned her into a white stone so she wouldn't be eaten. Bacchus, realizing he was being cruel to someone who didn't deserve it, poured some of his wine onto the stone as an apology, which gave amethyst its beautiful coloring.
By the amethyst, which shows to the onlooker a fiery aspect, is signified Matthias, who in the gift of tongues was so filled with celestial fire and with fervent zeal to serve and please God, who had chosen him, that he was found worthy to take the place of the apostate Judas. - Andreas, bishop of Cæsarea
This is the approved birth stone for February.
Amethyst is associated with the name Arthur.
Associated with the zodiac signs Pisces and Aquarius.
Associated with the planets of Jupiter and Mars.
When seen in dreams, this stone represents freedom from harm.
Associated with the planet of the Moon.
Armena (I couldn't figure out what this one is supposed to be, so no link.)
Associated with Venus and Mercury.
Armenia (I'm not certain this is what the book means, but it's the best guess I have.)
Associated with Jupiter.
Associated with the planet of Saturn.
Called in the text "sulfate of barium," but this seems to be the form in question. In an experiment with the Seeress of Prevorst, the woman in question was affected by the stone in a way that "stimulated the muscles, produced an agreeable warmth of the body, and made the subject feel as though she could fly through the air."
A Greek text cites an amulet of aquamarine beryl as being able to banish fear. It also cures laziness, so I should probably start wearing it. It makes the wearer likeable and a quicker thinker. Sounds like a good one!
Beryl was often used for scrying. From the book:
That the beryl produced a greater number of these visions than any other mineral was the old belief which is still upheld in some quarters to-day; one scryer, indeed, asserts that his clearest and most satisfactory visions were seen in a cube of blue beryl, the beautiful color appearing to dispose the soul to a harmonious unfolding of its latent aptitudes. - The Curious Lore of Precious Stones
The beryl, imitating the colors of the sea and of the air, and not unlike the jacinth, seems to suggest the admirable Thomas, especially as he made a long journey by sea, and even reached the Indies, sent by God to preach salvation to the peoples of that region. - Andreas, bishop of Cæsarea
Aquamarine is the alternate birth stone for March.
Beryl is associated with the name Bertha.
Associated with the zodiac signs Scorpio and Cancer.
Associated with the planets of the Moon, Mars, and Venus.
When seen in dreams, aquamarine represents new friends.
When seen in dreams, beryl represents happiness in store.
Bezoar (gastrointestinal stones)
Associated with the planet of Jupiter.
Bloodstone (Heliotrope)
Bloodstone is said to cause thunder, lightning, rain, and storms. It protects the wearer's health, makes them difficult to deceive, and gains him respect. According to the Leyden papyrus, bloodstone calms angry rulers and the wearer will get anything they want.
This is the approved birth stone for March.
Bloodstone is associated with the names Belle and Benjamin.
Heliotrope (same thing) is associated with the names Hannah and Hubert.
Associated with the zodiac sign Aries.
When seen in dreams, bloodstone represents distressing news. Heliotropes, however, represent a long life. These appear to be the same stone, as far as I can tell.
A carbuncle is technically just any red gemstone, but usually it refers to a red garnet. It was prescribed to be worn as a heart stimulant. It could make the wearer passionate and angry because it was so stimulating.
The blood-red color of the stone is thought by Christians to represent Jesus' sacrifice. The Quran states that the Fourth Heaven is made of carbuncle. Old lore suggests that carbuncles were once dragons' eyes.
The chalcedony was not inserted in the high-priest’s breastplate, but instead the carbuncle, of which no mention is made here. It may well be, however, that the author designated the carbuncle by the name chalcedony. Andrew, then, can be likened to the carbuncle, since he was splendidly illumined by the fire of the Spirit. - Andreas, bishop of Cæsarea
Carbuncle is associated with the name Charlotte.
Associated with the planets of Venus and Mars.
When seen in dreams, this stone represents acquirement of wisdom.
Carnelian is a talisman, It brings good luck to child and man; If resting on an onyx ground, A sacred kiss imprint when found. It drives away all evil things; To thee and thine protection brings. The name of Allah, king of kings, If graven on this stone, indeed, Will move to love and doughty deed. From such a gem a woman gains Sweet hope and comfort in her pains.
- "Pledges of Blessing" by Goethe
Carnelian was believed to have a cooling effect on the blood, so, if worn on the neck or finger, it would cool an angry temper.
Carnelian is associated with the name Clara.
Associated with the zodiac sign Virgo.
Associated with the planets of the Sun, Jupiter, Mars and Venus.
When seen in dreams, this stone represents impending misfortune.
Drives away "phantoms and visions of the night."
Chalcedony is associated with the names Caroline and Charles.
Associated with the zodiac sign Capricorn.
Associated with the planets of Venus, Jupiter, Mercury, and Saturn.
When seen in dreams, this stone represents friends rejoined.
Chelidon (swallow stone)
Associated with Jupiter.
Chiastolite (cross stone)
This stone is connected to Christianity, since it has a naturally occurring cross-like pattern. As a result, it's thought to do many things: stop bleeding if worn to touch skin, increase milk production, cure fevers if worn around the neck, and stop evil spirits from appearing in the wearer's neighborhood.
Chrysoberyl (cat's eye)
Specifically, the variety of chrysoberyl we call cat's eye (cymophane), was used in Ceylon as a charm against evil spirits.
Chrysoberyl is associated with the name Constantine.
Associated with the planet of the Sun (specifically the yellow Brazilian variety).
When seen in dreams, cat's eye represents treachery. Chrysoberyl represents a time of need. Those seem to fit nicely together, at least.
Chrysolite can refer to multiple different stones. I'll try to be specific as I list the virtues here.
Topaz - Egyptians collected topaz to take to the gem-cutters for their royalty. Supposedly it could not be seen during the day, but only at night.
Peridot - Started out in Egypt and found their way into European cathedrals. The author says these are "generally called emeralds," but it's important to note that these are different stones. These two were confused for each other a lot back then, it seems. To have peridot work best, it needed to be set in gold. This would allow it to dismiss night terrors.
The chrysolite, gleaming with the splendor of gold, may symbolize Bartholomew, since he was illustrious for his divine preaching and his store of virtues. - Andreas, bishop of Cæsarea
Peridot is the alternate birth stone for August.
Chrysolite is associated with the name Clement.
Associated with the zodiac sign Libra.
Associated with the planets of Mercury and Venus.
When seen in dreams, this stone represents necessary caution.
If a thief has been caught and will be executed, they should put this stone in their mouth to escape. (Thieves usually aren't sentenced to death these days, so I'm not sure how useful that information is now.)
The chrysoprase, more brightly tinged with a golden hue than gold itself, symbolizes St. Thaddæus; the gold (chrysos) symbolizing the kingdom of Christ, and the prassius, Christ’s death, both of which he preached to Abgar, King of Edessa. - Andreas, bishop of Cæsarea
Associated with the planets of Mercury and Venus.
Cogolite (I couldn't figure out what this was.)
Associated with the planet of Jupiter.
White or red coral can allegedly stop storms, assures safety when crossing rivers, cures madness, gives wisdom, and stops the flow of blood. Pretty impressive reputation! Coral should be worn where it's clearly visible to be most effective. If it break, it loses its power. Red coral, if worn directly on the skin, would become pale when the wearer was ill or poisoned.
Associated with the planets of the Moon and Venus.
When seen in dreams, this stone represents recovery from illness.
Called "rock crystal" in the text, which appears to be specifically the clear type of quartz. The Seeress of Prevorst was affected by this mineral in a stimulating way; specifically, it is said to have "aroused the subject from a half-slumber."
People believed that clear quartz was congealed water.
Crystal is associated with the names Constance and Christian.
Associated with the zodiac sign Aries.
Associated with the planets of the Moon and Mars.
When seen in dreams, this stone represents freedom from enemies.
A poem written by Jean de la Taille de Bondaroy asserts that the diamond came from gold and the sun. Brings the wearer victory, strength, fortitude, and courage. It's thought to enhance the love of a husband for his wife. If a diamond is red or even has just a red spot, it's believed to bring death to the wearer.
Ancient Arabians, Persians, and Egyptians all believed that the diamond brought good fortune to the wearer.
A poem from the book (though it may be about quartz or white sapphire):
The Evil Eye shall have no power to harm Him that shall wear the diamond as a charm, No monarch shall attempt to thwart his will, And e’en the gods his wishes shall fulfil.
A superstition states that diamonds lose their power if bought for oneself. Apparently, the diamond has to be a gift in order to work.
A note that I personally find interesting is that some of the stories about diamonds in this book involve serpents/snakes. It seems that the serpents/snakes guard the diamonds from humans.
A diamond would bring death to anyone who swallowed it. Specifically, putting one in your mouth would fracture your teeth, and swallowing one would rupture your intestines. Not sure how many times I'll need to say this, but don't put rocks in your mouth. Diamond dust was used as an attempt at poisoning food.
In India, the natural shape of the diamond would suggest its qualities. A triangular stone was said to cause quarrels, a square diamond inspired the wearer with vague terrors; a five-cornered stone had the worst effect of all, for it brought death; only the six-cornered diamond was productive of good.
This is the approved birth stone for April.
Diamonds are associated with the names Dorcus and Dorian.
Associated with the zodiac sign Taurus.
Associated with the planets of the Sun, Saturn*, Jupiter, and Mars.
When seen in dreams, this stone represents victory over enemies.
Dionesia (I could not find a link for information about this stone or any alternate names.)
Associated with the planet of Saturn.
A revealer of truth. An enemy of spellwork (at least the kind meant to deceive). Showed future events, possibly by causing visions for the owner. Strengthens the memory, helps speakers to be eloquent, and is considered a deterrent to sexual passion (though many people assign it to Venus, so that's sort of odd).
On the topic of future events, the stone needed to be put under the tongue in order to do this. (A note from me: please don't put random rocks in your mouth.)
Emeralds were thought to blind snakes.
The emerald, which is of a green color, is nourished with oil, that its transparency and beauty may not change; we conceive this stone to signify John the Evangelist. He, indeed, soothed the souls dejected by sin with a divine oil, and by the grace of his excellent doctrine lends constant strength to our faith. - Andreas, bishop of Cæsarea
This is the approved birth stone for May.
Emeralds are associated with the names Elizabeth and Edmund.
Associated with the zodiac signs Cancer and Sagittarius.
Associated with the planets of Venus, Jupiter, and Mercury.
When seen in dreams, this stone represents much to look forward to.
This is the approved birth stone for January.
Associated with the zodiac signs Aquarius and Scorpio.
Associated with the planet of the Sun.
When seen in dreams, this stone represents the solution of a mystery.
Gypsum (selenite, satin spar)
Protection and good fortune. It is soft enough that you would be able to leave a scratch on the surface with your fingernail, so be careful with it.
Seems to be helpful in legal matters. Warriors would rub this stone on their bodies to help them in battle.
Associated with the planet of Mercury.
Hyacinth (could be referring to Jacinth, below, or yellow zircon)
When seen in dreams, this stone represents a heavy storm.
This stone was often carried by travelers, as it protected against plague and injury. It would also assure a warm welcome wherever they went and made the wearer cautious in any dealings. According to St. Hildegard:
If any one is bewitched by phantoms or by magical spells, so that he has lost his wits, take a hot loaf of pure wheaten bread and cut the upper crust in the form of a cross,—not, however, cutting it quite through,—and then pass the stone along the cutting, reciting these words: “May God, who cast away all precious stones from the devil ... cast away from thee, N., all phantoms and all magic spells, and free thee from the pain of this madness.” This person should then eat the bread.
Jacinth was believed to protect the wearer from lightning strike and pestilence. It also helped people to sleep a bit better.
The jacinth, which is of a celestial hue, signifies Simon Zelotes, zealous for the gifts and grace of Christ and endowed with a celestial prudence. - Andreas, bishop of Cæsarea Jacinth is associated with the names Jane and John.
Associated with the planets of the Sun, Jupiter, and Mars.
When seen in dreams, this stone represents success.
Jade (nephrite and jadeite) Jade is called the "concentrated essence of love." A pendent made of jade and shaped somewhat like a padlock was worn by children in China to "bind" them to life. Jade was used to make musical instruments in China, specifically a set of chimes. Jade is associated with the names Julia and James.
Associated with the planet of Venus (specifically the white variety).
Associated with the planet of Mars (specifically the red variety).
Associated with the planet of Jupiter (specifically the yellow variety).
This stone, specifically the green variety, was used to conjure rain. Jasper drives away evil spirits and protects against venomous creatures.
The jasper, which like the emerald is of a greenish hue, probably signifies St. Peter, chief of the apostles, as one who so bore Christ’s death in his inmost nature that his love for Him was always vigorous and fresh. By his fervent faith he has become our shepherd and leader. - Andreas, bishop of Cæsarea
Jasper is associated with the names Jessie and Jasper.
Associated with the zodiac sign Libra.
Associated with the planets of Venus and Mercury.
The book actually doesn't say what jet "does," only that it was used as a talisman.
Jet is associated with the name Julius.
Associated with the planet of Saturn.
When seen in dreams, this stone represents sorrow.
Judaica (searching for "Judaica" brings up a lot of Jewish items. This is the closest thing I could find that would make sense in this context.)
Associated with the planet of Mercury.
Lapis Lazuli This stone was used as a cure for melancholy and recurrent fevers. It was highly favored in Babylonia and Egypt.
This is the alternate birth stone for December.
Lapis lazuli is associated with the names Louise and Lawrence.
Associated with the planet of Venus.
When seen in dreams, this stone represents faithful love.
Apparently, a loadstone placed under a wife's pillow was a "touchstone of her virtue." (My assumption is that it means she's remain faithful to her spouse.) It's clearly stated in the book that loadstone under a normally chaste wife's pillow will make her sexually desire her spouse and initiate relations. In several cultures, loadstone has been associated with love (familial and romantic) and sexual attraction. Loadstone also has a protective quality against evil spirits. In the East Indies, the king should have a throne made of loadstone, the idea being that it would attract power, favor, and gifts.
Loadstone is associated with the name Leonard.
Associated with the zodiac sign Virgo.
Associated with the planet of Mars.
Malachite was attached to infants' cradles to protect them from evil spirits. It protected the wearer from falling. It would warn of impending danger by breaking.
Malachite is associated with the names Martha and Mark.
Brings good fortune and luck in love. Placing it in your mouth during a full moon will let you see the future of your romantic relationship. (Why do so many people put strange rocks in their mouths!?)
This is the alternate birth stone for June.
Moonstone is associated with the names Mary and Matthew.
When seen in dreams, this stone represents impending danger.
This was worn on the neck to "cool the ardors of love," but it could be quite extreme, provoking discord and completely separating lovers.
Regarding the onyx, Aristotle said: Those who are in the land of China fear this stone so much that they dread to go into the mines where it occurs; hence none but slaves and menials, who have no other means of gaining a livelihood, take the stone from the mines. When it has been extracted, it is carried out of the country and sold in other lands. Those men of the Magreb also who are gifted with any wisdom will not wear an onyx or place it in their treasuries. Indeed, no one is willing to wear it, unless he be bereft of his senses; for whosoever wears it, either set in a ring or in any other way, will have fearful dreams and be tormented by a multitude of doubts and apprehensions; he will also have many disputes and lawsuits. Lastly, whoever keeps an onyx in his house, or places it in a vessel, or puts it in food or drink, will suffer loss of energy and capacity.
Onyx is associated with the name Oliver.
Associated with the zodiac sign Leo.
When seen in dreams, this stone represents a happy marriage.
Opal, being made up of various colors, was believed to possess all qualities of all gems. Some people feel that opal is unlucky, but this seems to be largely due to one novel, Anne of Geierstein. Pliny seemed to suggest that an opal could actually protect travelers from harm, though we aren't certain he was talking about opals. Opals contain water, which is what causes the iridescence, and the water eventually dries up, making the opal plainer as time goes on. The Edda states that Volöndr made a stone from the eyes of children, and it is thought to be opal. Blonde women would wear opals to keep their hair's color. The opal was thought to keep eyesight healthy and sharp. Black opals are thought to be lucky.
This is the approved birth stone for October.
Opal is associated with the name Osmund.
Associated with the planets of the Sun and Mercury.
When seen in dreams, this stone represents great possessions.
Pearl This is the approved birth stone for June.
Associated with the planets of the Moon, Mercury and Venus.
When seen in dreams, this stone represents faithful friends.
When seen in dreams, this stone represents death.
The virtues of pyrite are not listed, but it is mentioned that Native Americans (which nation is not stated) used this stone in their amulets. It's also stated that ancient Mexicans would polish pyrite into mirrors.
Associated with various planets based on color:
- Copper-colored - Sun, Venus.
- Gold-colored - Sun.
- Silver-colored - Moon.
- Tin-colored - Moon, Saturn.
- Ash-colored - Jupiter.
Removes evil thoughts, controls lust, and reconciles disputes. If worn on the left side (as a ring, bracelet, or brooch), the ruby will grant a peaceful life devoid of theft and injury. Rubies were thought to be formed when lightning struck a place, due to their brilliant red color (lightning being "fire from heaven.")
This is the approved birth stone for July.
Ruby is associated with the names Rose and Roland.
Associated with the zodiac signs Capricorn and Taurus.
Associated with the planets of the Sun, Mars, and Venus.
When seen in dreams, this stone represents unexpected guests.
Worn on the necks of kings, sapphire protected against envy and brought divine favor. It banished fraud and allowed necromancers to hear and understand the "obscurest oracles." The star sapphire (a particular cut that creates a star of light on the surface of the stone; also called asteria) was believed to protect against the evil eye and witchcraft..
As the sapphire is likened to the heavens (from this stone is made a color popularly called lazur), I conceive it to mean St. Paul, since he was caught up to the third heaven, where his soul was firmly fixed. Thither he seeks to draw all those who may be obedient to him. - Andreas, bishop of Cæsarea
This is the approved birth stone for September.
Sapphire is associated with the names Susan and Stephen.
Associated with the zodiac signs Taurus and Gemini.
Associated with the planets of Venus, Saturn* and Jupiter, and Mercury.
When seen in dreams, this stone represents escape from danger.
(This stone appears to be the same as carnelian, just a bit harder and darker.) Protects from magic. Makes the wearer sharp-witted, victorious, and happy. Works as an antidote against the negative influences of the onyx, especially nightmares and melancholy thoughts.
The sardius with its tawny and translucent coloring suggests fire, and it possesses the virtue of healing tumors and wounds inflicted by iron; hence I consider that it designates the beauty of virtue characterizing the apostle Philip, for his virtue, animated by the fire of the Holy Spirit, cured the soul of the wounds inflicted by the wiles of the devil, and revived it. - Andreas, bishop of Cæsarea
By the sardonyx, showing with a certain transparency and purity the color of the human nail, we believe that James is denoted, seeing that he bore death for Christ before all others. This the nail by its color indicates, for it may be cut off without any sensible pain. - Andreas, bishop of Cæsarea
This is the approved birth stone for August.
Associated with the planets of Saturn and Mars.
When seen in dreams, this stone represents love of friends.
Associated with the planet of the Moon.
This stone protects from bites of venomous creatures. Like coral, it should be in its natural state, not worked by any tools. Iron tools in particular will destroy serpentine’s magic.
Associated with the planet of Venus.
The topaz, which is of a ruddy color, resembling somewhat the carbuncle, stops the discharge of the milky fluid with which those having eye-disease suffer. This seems to denote Matthew, for he was animated by a divine zeal, and, his blood being fired because of Christ, he was found worthy to enlighten by his Gospel those whose heart was blinded, that they might like new-born children drink of the milk of the faith. - Andreas, bishop of Cæsarea
This is the approved birth stone for November.
Associated with the zodiac signs Sagittarius and Leo.
Associated with the planets of Saturn and Mars.
When seen in dreams, this stone represents "no harm shall befall."
This is the alternate birth stone for October.
When seen in dreams, this stone represents an accident.
Protects against falling, especially from a horse. Protects horses from getting sick if drinking cold water when overheated. May have made horses more sure-footed. It’s believed that turquoise’s properties will only be effective if given as a gift. One anecdote suggests that turquoise breaks a little every time it’s protective virtues are used. Breaking does not render this stone powerless. Helps hunters’ accuracy with a bow or a gun if attached to the weapon.
Whoever owns the true turquoise set in gold will not injure any of his limbs when he falls, whether he be riding or walking, so long as he has the stone with him.
⁃ Volmar
This is the approved birth stone for December.
Turquoise is associated with the name Therese.
Associated with the planets of Jupiter, Venus, and Mercury.
When seen in dreams, this stone represents prosperity.
*Saturn is associated with diamonds and with "all dark, black, and brittle stones." From that, we can assume any black stone will be Saturnine. Sapphires are considered Saturnine by the Chaldæans.