User:Asarelah/sandbox/Traditional gemstone beliefs

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  • Amethyst See Amethyst#Cultural_history
  • Malachite In ancient Egypt the colour green (wadj) was associated with death and the power of resurrection as well as new life and fertility. Ancient Egyptians believed that the afterlife contained an eternal paradise which resembled their lives but with no pain or suffering, and referred to this place as the ‘Field of Malachite’.[1] A 17th-century Spanish superstition held that having a child wear a lozenge of malachite would help them sleep, and keep evil spirits at bay.[2]
  • Opal See Opal#History
  • Travertine A traditional Italian superstition holds that having a child wear the stone in a little bag will protect them from witchcraft.[3]
  • Topaz An English superstition held that topaz cured lunacy.[4]

References

  1. ^ Hill, J (2010). "Meaning of green in ancient Egypt". Ancient Egypt Online. Retrieved 2016-11-28.
  2. ^ The Illustrated Book of Signs and Symbols by Miranda Bruce-Mitford, Dorling Kindersley Limited, London, 1996, p.41
  3. ^ Amulets and Superstitions By E. A. Wallis Budge
  4. ^ Pettigrew, Thomas Joseph (1844) On Superstitions Connected with the History and Practice of Medicine and Surgery. Philadelphia E. Barrington and G.D. Haswell. p. 70.