The Healing Powers of Precious Stones and Gems

Precious stones and gems have been noted for their healing powers since almost the beginning of time. In ancient Bohemia, the use of gems and stones for curative purposes is well documented. A Bohemian manuscript from 1391 exists, in which 55 gems are listed with medical uses. Most of the time stones were ground into powders, mixed with liquid and than ingested as a cure. The stones could also be worn as amulets or talismans for curative purposes.

Various stone preparations lasted for various amounts of time before they expired. Some lasted a year while others lasted only three months. There was a list of stones that were indispensable including jacinth, sapphire, emerald, topaz, margaritha, pearl, magnes, coral, hematite, aetites, and jasper. All good apothecaries carried these particular stones. Precious stones were the most common remedies were for fever and general lethargy.

By the eighteenth century, the belief in the special curative powers of precious stones material had almost entirely disappeared. Precious stone cures gave way to more scientific approaches to the treatment of diseases and other maladies. Although some practitioners continued to believe in the curative power of precious stones, science and logic eventually gained the upper hand.