A comprehensive dictionary of sacred and magical gem lore that draws on the rarest source texts of Antiquity and the Middle Ages • Reveals the healing and magical virtues of familiar gemstones, such as amethyst, emerald, and diamond, as well as the lore surrounding exotic stones such as astrios, a stone celebrated by ancient magicians • Examines bezoars (stones formed in animals’ bodies) and “magnets” that attract materials other than metal • Based on ancient Arabic, Greek, Jewish, and European sources, ranging from the observations of Pliny the Elder to extremely rare texts such as the Picatrix and Damigeron’s Virtue of Stones Our ancestors believed stones were home to sacred beings of power, entities that if properly understood and cultivated could provide people protection from ill fortune, envy, and witchcraft; grant invisibility and other magical powers; improve memory; and heal the sick from a wide variety of diseases. These benefits could be obtained by wearing the stone on a ring, bracelet, or pendant; through massage treatments with the stone; or by reducing the gem into a powder and drinking it mixed with water or wine. Drawing from a wealth of ancient Arabic, Greek, Jewish, and European sources--from the observations of Pliny the Elder to extremely rare texts such as the Picatrix and Damigeron’s Virtue of Stones--Claude Lecouteux provides a synthesis of all known lore for more than 800 stones. He includes such common examples as the emerald, which when engraved with the figure of a harpy holding a lamprey in its claws will banish panic and nightmares, and beryl, which when appropriately carved can summon water spirits or win its owner high renown, as well as more exotic stones such as astrios, a stone celebrated by ancient magicians and whose center glows like a star. Lecouteux also examines bezoars--stones formed in animals’ bodies--as well as “magnets” that attract materials other than iron, such as gold, flesh, cotton, or scorpions. This comprehensive dictionary of sacred and magical gem lore, drawn from the rarest sources of Antiquity and the Middle Ages, represents a one-of-a-kind resource for gem enthusiasts and magical practitioners alike.

Improve your life on all levels--mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually--with this essential reference guide to 160 easily-procured crystals, minerals, and stones. Packed with practical knowledge and 190 beautiful full-color photos, this easy-to-use handbook will teach you all about the gemstone world. Each page provides you with concise information: stone name and properties, color, corresponding chakra, planet, element, zodiac sign, numerological association, and mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual uses. Margaret Ann Lembo's metaphysical crystal directory will also give you Mohs scale ratings, divinatory meanings, and a series of positive affirmations for each stone. Learn how to charge, cleanse, and use gemstones in healing grids, plus how to use them as oracles for personal development and spiritual awakening. Praise: "When energetically used with the understandings and tips provided in this A-Z essential guide, all good things are possible. Your 'everything' go-to for crystals!"--Cyndi Dale, bestselling author of The Complete Book of Chakra Healing and Beyond Soul Mates "A must-have guide for anyone who even enjoys picking up rocks. Her straight-from-the-hip approach is matched by her passion, love and knowledge of each and every geode, multifaceted crystal, and everything in between."--Joan Ranquet, author of Communication with All Life

The A to Z (agate to zircon) of stone power. Popular seller that includes color identification keys to gems as well as illustrations of significant body points.

Unlock the secrets of the crystal healing with this A to Z guide to 100 types of stones. You don’t have to have extensive background in magic to make use of any stone. In fact, you don’t have to know about magic at all. If you are facing a difficult situation and feel you need protection and courage, wear garnets. Do you want to attract a lover? Use rose quartz or ruby. Are you troubled by negative vibrations? Wear, carry, or keep near you black onyx or obsidian. Listing their physical properties and magical uses, Crystal Enhancements will help guide you in your choice of stones from Adularia to Zircon. This book will also appeal to those who simply love stones and want to know more about them.