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The Curious Lore of Precious Stones: A Compendium of Gemstone Folklore, Superstitions and Mysticism
Discover the magical and practical properties of gemstones with this classic work by America's first professional gemologist, George Frederick Kunz.
Drawing on his wide-ranging research into the occult and magical properties of gemstones, George Frederick Kunz produced a treasure trove of a book that covers ideas about precious and semi-precious stones from around the world. With tables of correspondences and sections on scrying and astrological uses of stones, omens regarding certain stones, and how gemstones were seen historically around the globe, this is a fascinating work of impressive scope.
Learn about the history of gemstones and how they have been
• Within fortune-telling and for their magical properties
• For their astrological associations
• In rituals, as symbols and talismans
Drawing on his wide-ranging research into the occult and magical properties of gemstones, George Frederick Kunz produced a treasure trove of a book that covers ideas about precious and semi-precious stones from around the world. With tables of correspondences and sections on scrying and astrological uses of stones, omens regarding certain stones, and how gemstones were seen historically around the globe, this is a fascinating work of impressive scope.
Learn about the history of gemstones and how they have been
• Within fortune-telling and for their magical properties
• For their astrological associations
• In rituals, as symbols and talismans
364 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1913
27 people are currently reading
331 people want to read
About the author
George Frederick Kunz
72 books10 followersGeorge Frederick Kunz was an American mineralogist and mineral collector. He was the founder and president of the Museums of the Peaceful Arts in 1913, special agent for the US Geological Survey (1883–1909), a research curator at the Museum of Natural History in New York City, and the leading advocate in the establishment of the international carat as a unit of measure for precious gems. He also assembled the Morgan-Tiffany collection of gems in the American Museum of Natural History. Kunz had an active life dedicated to science and public service.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
May 2, 2022
This is my all time favorite book on the metaphysics of stones, hands down. It is a reprint of a book that was first published in 1911, and rediscovered and reprinted by Dover books (although I think Dover may have sold the rights to the hardbound edition).
And thank goodness for that, as this is a treasure that shouldn't be lost. This book goes back to some very old lore, at least from the 19th century, and likely much longer than that. It is arranged in alphabetical order of the first initial of the stone, so 'A' is for 'Amethyst'.
It is the penultimate book of stone lore, my best and most used reference on the subject. Buy the hardbound if you can, I have read two paperback copies to pieces (it is a thick book, and the paperback spines can only take so much wear and tear).
There are more namby pamby, new age books on stones these days, which are definitely not worth the paper they are printed on. I think if I read one more that talks about aligning your chakras with stones, I will tear it to pieces and burn it. Not that this isn't a valid spiritual practice for some, I'm just so ever lastingly tired of reading about it. This book has knowledge from a wide variety of folkloric sources, from Europe, to India, Russia, and the Near East.
If you are looking for something truly juicy and deep about the lore of stones, I can tell you there is no other book I have found in my 60+ years that I have found that is any better.
And thank goodness for that, as this is a treasure that shouldn't be lost. This book goes back to some very old lore, at least from the 19th century, and likely much longer than that. It is arranged in alphabetical order of the first initial of the stone, so 'A' is for 'Amethyst'.
It is the penultimate book of stone lore, my best and most used reference on the subject. Buy the hardbound if you can, I have read two paperback copies to pieces (it is a thick book, and the paperback spines can only take so much wear and tear).
There are more namby pamby, new age books on stones these days, which are definitely not worth the paper they are printed on. I think if I read one more that talks about aligning your chakras with stones, I will tear it to pieces and burn it. Not that this isn't a valid spiritual practice for some, I'm just so ever lastingly tired of reading about it. This book has knowledge from a wide variety of folkloric sources, from Europe, to India, Russia, and the Near East.
If you are looking for something truly juicy and deep about the lore of stones, I can tell you there is no other book I have found in my 60+ years that I have found that is any better.
April 17, 2017
ONE STAR edition of 5 star book
This review is from: The curious lore of precious stones (Kindle Edition)
ONE STAR FOR THIS EDITION. I apologize for the following awkwardness. However as many are aware, Amazon sometimes places reviews of a title together no matter what edition was actually reviewed. This review is for the following edition only: Kindle Edition; file size 847 KB; print length 522 pages; publication date December 12, 2012; sold by Amazon Digital Services, Inc.; ASIN B00ANUQEIO. Get a different edition. This one leaves out all illustrations including those needed to support the text.
The book itsef is 5 stars for information even though it is not great writing. If you do read the book, which I recommend, you need to be aware that Kunz used terms and gemstone names which are not in common usage today. During my original reading, I was able to consult a doctor of geology who was also a gemologist about some of them. A couple of years later I became acquainted with a prominent retired gemologist who also helped me with the book. Rereading, I made use of various dictionaries and online resources. I am still a little confused about hyacinth. According to some sources it is red zircon. Others state that it is red, orange or yellow zircon. Another says that zircon is not a true hyacinth. My gemologist friend surmised that Kunz could have been referring to a variety of orange to yellow hessonite garnet. I believe that Kunz was referring to a stone of orange, yellow or golden hue, probably zircon. However, I have read that many cut stones in these colors originally thought to be zircon proved to be garnet.
George Frederick Kunz is considered by many to be America's foremost mineralogist and gemologist. He is certainly the most widely known. He worked for Tiffany's, becoming a vice president while in his twenties. The gemstone kunzite was named in his honor.
This review is from: The curious lore of precious stones (Kindle Edition)
ONE STAR FOR THIS EDITION. I apologize for the following awkwardness. However as many are aware, Amazon sometimes places reviews of a title together no matter what edition was actually reviewed. This review is for the following edition only: Kindle Edition; file size 847 KB; print length 522 pages; publication date December 12, 2012; sold by Amazon Digital Services, Inc.; ASIN B00ANUQEIO. Get a different edition. This one leaves out all illustrations including those needed to support the text.
The book itsef is 5 stars for information even though it is not great writing. If you do read the book, which I recommend, you need to be aware that Kunz used terms and gemstone names which are not in common usage today. During my original reading, I was able to consult a doctor of geology who was also a gemologist about some of them. A couple of years later I became acquainted with a prominent retired gemologist who also helped me with the book. Rereading, I made use of various dictionaries and online resources. I am still a little confused about hyacinth. According to some sources it is red zircon. Others state that it is red, orange or yellow zircon. Another says that zircon is not a true hyacinth. My gemologist friend surmised that Kunz could have been referring to a variety of orange to yellow hessonite garnet. I believe that Kunz was referring to a stone of orange, yellow or golden hue, probably zircon. However, I have read that many cut stones in these colors originally thought to be zircon proved to be garnet.
George Frederick Kunz is considered by many to be America's foremost mineralogist and gemologist. He is certainly the most widely known. He worked for Tiffany's, becoming a vice president while in his twenties. The gemstone kunzite was named in his honor.
dnf
April 14, 2024I enjoy many of these old books because of all the wonderful information found in them that you hardly see in modern books. I also enjoy hearing the opinions of authors from the different eras as well.
This book is a very in depth look at the history, folklore, and superstitions of many of the precious stones. I just couldn't read almost 400 pages on gems. The other issue with the book being so old that the majority of the photos are in black and white so you don't see the details and colors for them. There are some colored plates but there was not enough of them and not that great. An informative book if you really want to learn about gemstone.
This book is a very in depth look at the history, folklore, and superstitions of many of the precious stones. I just couldn't read almost 400 pages on gems. The other issue with the book being so old that the majority of the photos are in black and white so you don't see the details and colors for them. There are some colored plates but there was not enough of them and not that great. An informative book if you really want to learn about gemstone.
dnf
April 14, 2024Boring.
August 3, 2008
History and anecdotal history of gems and their properties, historical info, and just some good stories.
June 1, 2023
A must for the serious gemstone aficionado. The author was a mineralogist and collector, responsible for 5 mineralogical exhibits at international exhibitions (1889-1904). He later assembled the Morgan-Tiffany collection of gems in the American Museum of Natural History and had an extensive personal collection of gems.
Topics covered include superstitions, gem usage as talismans and amulets, crystal balls & religious uses (Pagan, Hebrew & Christian). Aaron’ breastplate is covered exhaustively, as well as birthstones, planetary and astral influences and their therapeutic uses. No stone goes unturned. Chock full of valuable and enjoyable information, I highly recommend this if you enjoy the subject.
Topics covered include superstitions, gem usage as talismans and amulets, crystal balls & religious uses (Pagan, Hebrew & Christian). Aaron’ breastplate is covered exhaustively, as well as birthstones, planetary and astral influences and their therapeutic uses. No stone goes unturned. Chock full of valuable and enjoyable information, I highly recommend this if you enjoy the subject.
June 7, 2017
Some interesting stories. Learned of the many different stones. Some of the superstitions related to the stones made me want to drink an elixir made from the toenails of a hundred centipedes.
March 22, 2018
Absolutely what I was looking for! I picked this up at a gem show. Very good for research on how superstitions and cultural beliefs about precious and semiprecious stones came to be!
August 13, 2020
Definitely a bit antiquated, but still interesting from a historical/literary perspective.
May 28, 2023
Very interesting history of the mysticism,
superstition, medical use and religion of gems.
superstition, medical use and religion of gems.
Currently reading
December 5, 2009I bought this book and another at Argos today in Eastown after breakfast with my mother. We usually go to the farmer's market after breakfast, but with the snow.. Argos is the bookstore that I frequent in Grand Rapids. I like the staff and I like the books that appear on the shelves there.
This book caught me with an intriguing detail on the back jacket. I was not particularly looking for a connection with a book of this nature, but I always check over the geology section. I believe my bookseller takes in treasures of this sort for my attention.
I don't know this book but it is full of fascinating little stories and sort of reads like a Ripley's Believe it or Not. I suspect there is a story behind this book. Check out the dedication:
http://books.google.com/books?id=-NWB...
This book caught me with an intriguing detail on the back jacket. I was not particularly looking for a connection with a book of this nature, but I always check over the geology section. I believe my bookseller takes in treasures of this sort for my attention.
I don't know this book but it is full of fascinating little stories and sort of reads like a Ripley's Believe it or Not. I suspect there is a story behind this book. Check out the dedication:
http://books.google.com/books?id=-NWB...
January 10, 2022
Antiquated though still eminently readable and essential reading for anyone with an interest in jewellery history or gem lore. It's a classic, and yet I rather wish the contemporary editor had taken a firmer hand in the last section of the book, which seems to lose its way a little, with repetition from earlier in the work creeping in. It would be lovely to see a new edition with a new set of illustrations to properly accompany the text.
Want to read
January 12, 2011Good interesting and whith a lot of knowledge of stones
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews