The Power of Gemstones
Raymond J. Walters
Chartwell Books
Nonfiction, Folklore/Gemstones
Themes: Occult
*****
Description
Since before the dawn of civilization, gemstones have held an undeniable power over people. Many acquired mystical properties and divine associations. This book offers a complete listing of precious and semiprecious stones, including corals, pearls, and mythical stones (toadstone, lapis draconius - the stone from the head of a dragon, etc.) with their supposed healing powers and other information.
Review
This is the most thorough book I have found on the subject, and proves both readable and informative. As one who likes to think she'll eventually get around to writing fantasy stories, I find this kind of reference interesting food for creative thought. The inclination is not toward belief, but more of historical interest, though a section at the end indicates that perhaps modern Western science doesn't have all the answers on crystals that it thinks it has. A nice reference book to have on hand, with some beautiful pictures of beautiful stones.