From the earliest times in man's history gems and precious stones have been held in great esteem. They have been found in the monuments of prehistoric peoples, and the civilization of the Pharaohs, the Incas, the Montezumas invested these brilliant things from natures's jewel casket with a significance beyond the mere suggestion of their intrinsic properties. Through the ages in every land curious lore and fantastic beliefs have gathered aobut gems of all kinds. That lore has been collected in this fascinating volume, which scintillates like the precious stones which it describes. It represents the observations and discoveries during twenty-five years of collecting by Dr. Kunz, one of the world's greatest authorities in the subject. Here will be found a rarely entertaining and interesting galaxy of anecdotes, research and information upon superstitions and folk lore; the use of precious stones as talismans and amulets; Crystal balls and crystal-gazing; Mysticism; Religious uses; Divinations; Birth-stones; lucky stones; Astral influences of precious stones; and the medicinal use of gems. Everyone who loves precious stones and whose emotions are stirred by their coloring and brilliancy, will find this work a source of endless satisfaction. Illustrated with 86 reproductions in color, doubletone and line. Contents Chapter I Superstitions and their sources Chapter II On the use of precious and semi-precious stones as talismans and amulets Chapter III On the talismanic use of special stones Chapter IV On the use of engraved and carved gems as talismans chapter V On ominous and luminous stones Cahpter VI On crystal balls and crystals gazing Chapter VII Religious uses of precious stones, pagan, Hebrew, and Christian Chapter VIIII On the high-priest's breastplate Chapter IX Birth-stones Chapteer X Planetary and astral influences of precious stones Chapter XI On the therapeutic use of precious and semi-precious stones