Article Info
Author: Joseph Smith
Title: The Red Stones
Page Created: Fri Feb 22, 2008 2:43 pm
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The Red Stones
Ruby
Worn as an amulet, rubies were though to preserve the mental and physical health of its wearer by removing evil thoughts, controlling lust, driving away disease, and reconciling disputes. Rubies were also believed to protect their owner from misfortune, and protected its owner's property from being damaged by storms.
If applied to a wound, rubies were thought to stop the flow of blood. In Burma, rubies were inserted into the skin to confer invulnerability to its owner. Rubies were also used as gun ammunition in some regions as it was thought to cause more damage than normal lead bullets.
Garnet
The garnet's red color made it easy to associate it with fire and illumination. In many cultures, it was believed that the garnet could illuminate the night sky and was believed to be hung in the ark by Noah to light the inside of the boat. In Scandinavian cultures, it was buried with the dead to illuminate their path to the afterlife. In a more medicinal purpose, garnets were also thought to stop the flow of blood (like many other popular red stones).
Sard
The sard was used as a protection against sorcery and curses. It also was said to sharpen the mind of its wearer allowing him to be fearless, victorious and happy. In India it was used as a counter to the more negative effects of the black onyx.
Carnelian
Carnelians were to be worn by those lacking courage so that they may speak well. It was believed that the carnelian would protect its wearer from envy. In India it was believed that if powdered and drank, it would bring about positive emotions. "The carnelian also protected its wearer from injury from falling houses or walls" (Kunz, 65).
Red Jasper
Red jasper was said to bring rain, protect from venom or evil spirits, and cure snake bites. "Pear-shaped pieces of red jasper seem to have been more especially favored for use as amulets. Italian amulets of today show this, and Bellucci finds that the form is chosen as representing a drop of blood, and thus aiding, by sympathetic magic, in the cure of hemorrhages or wounds, and preventing the infliction of the latter" (JJKent Inc).
Carbuncle
"Many virtues are attributed to carbuncles. It is related that those who wear them can resist poisons and are preserved from the pest. They dissipate sadness, control incontinence, avert evil thoughts and dreams, exhilarate the soul and foretell misfortunes to man by losing their native splendor" (JJKent Inc). An amulet of carbuncle and a chalcedony was a favorite of sailors as it was thought to protect sailors from drowning. Carbuncle was also recommended as a heart stimulant, as it arose anger and passion in its wearer.
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