Post by Headmistress Aphrodite on Sept 10, 2005 18:58:34 GMT -5
Wands are 10 galleons each. If you want anything engraved on your wand, it's 5g per word. If you want any special stones on your wand, stones are listed below, and it's 3g per stone. I can combine stones in different patterns, but that's 1g extra. You may request different woods, cores, and stones.
WOOD
maple
beech
oak
ash
cherry
elm
willow
poplar
pine
holly
mahoghany
rosewood
hornbeam
yew
CORES
pheonix feather
veela hair
unicorn hair
dragon's heartstring
SIZES
7-17 inches
STONES
Agate - Agate in general was thought to protect and give courage to its wearer, and to help against bad dreams and insomnia. Some sources credit Agate with preventing skin ailments and cooling fevers. It is known in the Middle East that an Agate pebble held in the mouth will relieve thirst.
Amethyst - hehe, The stone was thought to be an amulet against excessive drunkenness.... Amethyst was known as a gem which would bring forth the highest, purest aspirations of humankind. Chastity, sobriety, and the control over one's thoughts were all attributes heightened by wearing Amethyst. The gem would guard against the anger of passion, and the violent or base nature of its wearer. Instead the stone encouraged calm, bravery and contemplation...
Aquamarine - has always been a favorite of seafaring folk. It was believed to ensure safe and prosperous voyages upon the sea, and to guard against storms.... It was thought to be the symbol of happiness and everlasting youth, to bring victory in battle and in legal disputes, and to re-awaken love in long-married couples.... The Gem was credited with curing belching and yawning, and for being especially effective at warding off ailments of the jaws, throat, stomach and liver. It was believed to protect against poisoning and relieve toothaches. People have used Aquamarine in ceremonies in the belief that it would bring rain when needed, or visit drought upon their enemies....
Aquamarine's color was also thought to be symbolic of the moon. When worn as an amulet, it was reputed to bring relief of pain and to make the wearer more friendly, quicken the intellect, and cure laziness. Cut as a crystal ball, Aquamarine was thought to be a superior stone for crystal gazing and fortune telling.
Casts eye -
Citrine - Citrine was thought to bring a calm, objective attitude, and make its wearer cheerful.... quite popular among New Age believers and are thought to focus the spirit's inherent power toward healing and self improvement.
Diamond - Ancient Greeks wore Diamonds into battle on their shields believing the stones could lend them their invincibility.... Diamond was believed to symbolize purity and innocence, and a joyful life of faith and piety. It also offered the ability to detect poison, as its surface was said to cloud in the toxin's presence.... credited it with strong powers to ward off evil, protect people from lightning, and give courage to soldiers in battle...
Emerald - Emerald was used in the Middle Ages to foretell the future, and was thought to ward off evil sorcery and cure demonic possession. It was also believed to be a symbol of faith and loyal friendship. The gem was closely associated with love, and with contentment in marriage. Its calming, healing nature in legends is evidentially a result of its soothing color. As such it was thought to be good for eye ailments and irritations.... The Emerald's use in ancient medicines was widespread and Emerald was thought to cure a wide range of ills, from poor eyesight to infertility. It was believed to ease childbirth, and aid the liver, as well as guard against fits and convulsions.
Garnet - Many Garnet crystals have the shape and color of pomegranate seeds.... Garnet has been believed to cure heart palpitations, lung diseases, and diseases of the blood. It was thought to represent faith, consistency, and truth. Garnets were claimed to help the wearer resist melancholy and warn off evil spirits, especially spirits of the night. The gemstone was endowed with the power to protect against poison, and was believed to inspire contemplation and induce a joyous state. It was also a stone of loyalty and truthfulness, and offered its wearer the power to protect their standing and possessions...
Iolite - Friendliness and higher, purer thoughts were ascribed to Iolite's influences. It was thought to promote charity and helpfulness. Legends describe Iolite as strengthening eyesight.
Jade - Jade stones representing the heart were placed in the sarcophagi of the dead.... Jade was used extensively in daily and ceremonial objects of Chinese nobility, and represented high rank and authority. It was commonly carved into meaningful shapes such as fish, birds, bats, or dragons. The Chinese believed that since Jade objects lasted so long, due no doubt to Jade's toughness, that Jade was linked to immortality. Jade amulets were also buried with the dead in China. Symbolic circles called "pi," which represent infinity, were carved of the gemstone. In Taoism, the supreme heavenly god is called the "Jade Emperor." The Chinese still revere Jade and believe that it brings good luck, benevolence, purity, and enhanced intelligence..... Legends about Jade include a wide range of healing influences of the eyes, nervous system and of the organs, particularly the kidneys. It was worn in amulets over the kidney area, and on the arm, and was reputed to magically effect the removal of kidney stones.
Lapis Lazuli - used in European cultures to symbolize the heavens in which the stars are held, and in some cultures to signify chastity. Lapis Lazuli was thought to be a cure for melancholy and fever.... Some people believed that the ten commandments were in fact carved on tablets of Lapis Lazuli. Legends describe Lapis Lazuli as being a favorite stone of the alchemists. It was thought to bestow wisdom and promote truth. By placing it on a painful area or where swelling occurred, it was thought to provide relief. The gemstone was worn as a talisman to attract friends, gain favors, and protect the wearer in darkness.
Mandarin -
Moonstone - Many of this gem's legends come from its association with the moon. The ancient Greeks and Romans linked the stone with moon deities, most often representing the feminine side of creation. It was thought to be an important gift when given to a lover, and would allow one to tell the future if held in the mouth during a full moon. A Moonstone placed beneath the pillow or worn while sleeping induced dreams that prophesied the future.... Other European tales tell of how moonstone had the power to cure fever, arouse passion, and protect from moonstroke and lunacy. It was also believed to ward off cancer and protect the traveler.... Hindu legends hold that Moonstone was actually solidified moonbeams which reached earth, and revere it as a good luck object. Indian astrologers use Moonstone to befriend the moon and make use of its energy. Moonstone is credited with curing anxiety, strengthening resolve, and relieving high blood pressure..
Opal - The Arabs thought that opals were formed by lightning strikes and that this is why the brilliant flashes of color are captured within. Other legends said that Opal would act to ward off lightning, and give the cloak of invisibility to its wearer when desired. It was supposed to grant vigor, aid the heart and kidneys, and protect against fainting and infection.... A modern folktale, in which a person should not wear Opal unless it is either their birthstone or a gift, traces its roots to the 1817 novel by Sir Walter Scott, "Anne of Geierstein," in which Opal is associated with misfortune borne by the heroine.... Opal should be treated with some care to prevent sharp blows, scratches, and should never be kept in oil or other chemicals. Opal contains a percentage of water as part of the stone; it need not be kept in water, but should never be stored in a bank vault for long periods of time because of the dehumidifiers used in many vaults.
Pearl - Pearls have long been used in Asian medicine, and are thought to be efficacious in the cure of eye ailments, heart trouble, indigestion, fever and bleeding. They are sometimes taken like pills or ground up as medicine components. Since pearls are in fact rich in calcium, they actually would be very effective in aiding indigestion and curing heartburn..... The Chinese have a legend that pearls fall to the earth as rain when dragons fight in the sky, and that pearls offer protection against fire breathing dragons..... Western beliefs held that pearls could cure mental illness and soothe heartbreak for the wearer. They were also credited with being a powerful antidote against poison. Ancient tales tell of how rain, or the tears of angels, was supposed to have fallen in the open shells of oysters, which turned the drops to Pearls. When manna fell from Heaven, it was believed to have been accompanied by Pearls and precious gems. Pearls were symbolic of purity and clarity, and were associated with the moon. Moslem writings refer to the "Pearl of Paradise" and it is said that heaven is beautified by many red Pearls.... Cleopatra was said to have dissolved a pearl in wine and swallowed it to seduce Mark Antony. The Pearl was thought to be a powerful aphrodisiac, and to attract love.... One of the most ardent admirers of pearls was Queen Elizabeth I of England, who wore dresses studded with pearls of incredible richness. She was reputed to have confiscated several fine Pearl necklaces from Mary, Queen of Scots. Still pearls were favorites of many other European royal figures. Henry VIII wore a massive gold crown studded with rubies, sapphires, diamonds, and 19 pearls, as well as a necklace set with large round pearls. Rudolph II, emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, was fond of pearls and collected pearls from America.
Peridot - To develop it's full potential as a talisman, it was thought that Peridot must be set in yellow Gold. It would then protect its wearer against nightmares and terrors of the night, and served to ward off the evil eye. Other legends credit Peridot with bringing happiness and good cheer, attracting lovers, and strengthening the eyes. It was also said to aid in digestion, and to cure liver ailments. If strung on a Jackass' hair and worn tied to the left arm, Peridot would keep evil spirits at bay. Pliny wrote that Peridot was dull during daylight hours, but would glow like a hot coal by night. Peridot is found today mostly in the USA, but also Australia, Brazil, and Burma. Care should be taken to protect Peridot from rough treatment and sudden temperature changes.
Ruby - its magical significance is often tied to curing diseases of the blood and stopping bleeding... was supposed to ensure harmonious physical and mental health, bring peace, and guard homes and fields against storm and catastrophe. The fiery red gemstone was said to attract and maintain love, and ward off sorrow, inspire boldness and bring success in business.... It was supposed to keep away plague, and relieve pain. Ruby would warn its owner against disaster by turning black when danger was near. As an interesting parallel to physical reality, Ruby will turn black when heated with a torch, returning to red as it cools.
Saphire - To some religions the blue color represents the heavens. Blue Sapphire has been a holy stone to the Catholic church, and to ancient Persians, who believed that Sapphire made the sky blue. It was identified with chastity, piety, and repentance, and it is said that King Solomon wore a Sapphire ring. Sapphire would keep one's thoughts pure and heavenly and help those in the right find justice in legal matters. The Gemstone was also thought to be a powerful amulet to protect against poisons and cure ulcers. The Sapphire warded off poisonous creatures, and killed snakes hiding nearby. It would also cool fevers, sharpen eyesight, and protect against mental illness. The most important attribute of Sapphire was said to be that of protection against sorcery. It was thought to banish evil spirits and frighten devils. It would turn evil sorcery and negative spells back against the sender, provide advance warning of hidden dangers, and free the mind of the enchanted. Sapphire was important to wizards and seers who used it to help interpret visions and prophesies. It was thought to be effective in quelling inflammation of the eyes.
Tanzanite - sadly, too new to have any properties......
Topaz - The old traditions hold that Topaz bestowed many benefits upon its wearer. It would relieve bad dreams, dispel cowardice, calm the temper, cure madness and plague, and sharpen the wit. It was thought to aid in sleep and eliminate nightmares, as well as cure rheumatism and soreness in the joints. Topaz was also credited with being effective against bleeding and heart disease. The gem was said to instantly lose its color to indicate that poison was present, thus protecting its owner. Topaz was also thought to bring fidelity and friendship if constantly worn without being set aside. It was also believed to be an effective talisman against accident and fire, and to bring increased intuition and long life. To Christians, Topaz has been known as a symbol of uprightness and virtue. Hindus believe that worn as a pendant, this gemstone will relieve thirst, sharpen intelligence and lengthen one's life. It is thought to be the ideal stone for travelers, protecting them from accidents and homesickness. The ancient Romans credited Topaz with preventing sickness of the chest and abdominal tract.
Tourmaline - has a property known as pyroelectricity. Pyroelectricity is a legitimate 'magical' property. When gently heated, Tourmaline generates a static electrical charge which attracts dust and other lightweight objects. Tourmaline was thought to be an aid to meditation, fostering compassion and cool headedness. It was said to protect its wearer against many dangers, particularly that of falling. The gem was highly valued by alchemists who, possibly because of it's pyroelectric effect, believed it to be related to the philosopher's stone. This was said to be the substance that would grant enlightenment, give power over spiritual affairs, reconcile opposites, and change base metals to Gold.
Turquoise - Turquoise has always been highly venerated in Native American traditions. It is an essential presence in the Shaman's medicine bag. The Pueblo people often placed Turquoise in the floors of their dwellings to bring good fortune. Old European traditions associate Turquoise with horses, and hold that the stone will protect horses from all sorts of ills. In particular, it was said to prevent them from drinking overly cold water while overheated and foundering. Turquoise was said to enable its wearer to resist evil and maintain virtue. It was credited with helping achieve a state of higher consciousness and resistance to weakness. It was also thought to protect its wearer from falling, particularly from towers and horses. Tibetans revere the stone and believe it represents good fortune, good health, and that it provides powerful protection against the evil eye. Turquoise is used in Tibetan healing ceremonies, where a Turquoise bead is thought to hold the shadow soul and draw out illness from the body. Buddhists associate Turquoise with knowledge of the future. Many Tibetans still wear necklaces with Turquoise, and coral beads which are hundreds of years old, and Turquoise often adorns ceremonial objects. In both Tibet and Nepal, Turquoise is highly esteemed and can also serve as currency.
Zircon - In Europe's medieval times, Zircon was believed to bring wealth to its owner, cure insomnia, bestow honor and wisdom, and to keep away sickness and evil spirits. Found in Sri Lanka, Kampuchea, and Burma, Zircon is prized by Hindus who ascribe to it the power to remove fear, clarify the mind, and induce spiritual growth. Their astrologers say that the Zircon should be purchased and set by the jeweler on a Saturday of an ascending moon.
WOOD
maple
beech
oak
ash
cherry
elm
willow
poplar
pine
holly
mahoghany
rosewood
hornbeam
yew
CORES
pheonix feather
veela hair
unicorn hair
dragon's heartstring
SIZES
7-17 inches
STONES
Agate - Agate in general was thought to protect and give courage to its wearer, and to help against bad dreams and insomnia. Some sources credit Agate with preventing skin ailments and cooling fevers. It is known in the Middle East that an Agate pebble held in the mouth will relieve thirst.
Amethyst - hehe, The stone was thought to be an amulet against excessive drunkenness.... Amethyst was known as a gem which would bring forth the highest, purest aspirations of humankind. Chastity, sobriety, and the control over one's thoughts were all attributes heightened by wearing Amethyst. The gem would guard against the anger of passion, and the violent or base nature of its wearer. Instead the stone encouraged calm, bravery and contemplation...
Aquamarine - has always been a favorite of seafaring folk. It was believed to ensure safe and prosperous voyages upon the sea, and to guard against storms.... It was thought to be the symbol of happiness and everlasting youth, to bring victory in battle and in legal disputes, and to re-awaken love in long-married couples.... The Gem was credited with curing belching and yawning, and for being especially effective at warding off ailments of the jaws, throat, stomach and liver. It was believed to protect against poisoning and relieve toothaches. People have used Aquamarine in ceremonies in the belief that it would bring rain when needed, or visit drought upon their enemies....
Aquamarine's color was also thought to be symbolic of the moon. When worn as an amulet, it was reputed to bring relief of pain and to make the wearer more friendly, quicken the intellect, and cure laziness. Cut as a crystal ball, Aquamarine was thought to be a superior stone for crystal gazing and fortune telling.
Casts eye -
Citrine - Citrine was thought to bring a calm, objective attitude, and make its wearer cheerful.... quite popular among New Age believers and are thought to focus the spirit's inherent power toward healing and self improvement.
Diamond - Ancient Greeks wore Diamonds into battle on their shields believing the stones could lend them their invincibility.... Diamond was believed to symbolize purity and innocence, and a joyful life of faith and piety. It also offered the ability to detect poison, as its surface was said to cloud in the toxin's presence.... credited it with strong powers to ward off evil, protect people from lightning, and give courage to soldiers in battle...
Emerald - Emerald was used in the Middle Ages to foretell the future, and was thought to ward off evil sorcery and cure demonic possession. It was also believed to be a symbol of faith and loyal friendship. The gem was closely associated with love, and with contentment in marriage. Its calming, healing nature in legends is evidentially a result of its soothing color. As such it was thought to be good for eye ailments and irritations.... The Emerald's use in ancient medicines was widespread and Emerald was thought to cure a wide range of ills, from poor eyesight to infertility. It was believed to ease childbirth, and aid the liver, as well as guard against fits and convulsions.
Garnet - Many Garnet crystals have the shape and color of pomegranate seeds.... Garnet has been believed to cure heart palpitations, lung diseases, and diseases of the blood. It was thought to represent faith, consistency, and truth. Garnets were claimed to help the wearer resist melancholy and warn off evil spirits, especially spirits of the night. The gemstone was endowed with the power to protect against poison, and was believed to inspire contemplation and induce a joyous state. It was also a stone of loyalty and truthfulness, and offered its wearer the power to protect their standing and possessions...
Iolite - Friendliness and higher, purer thoughts were ascribed to Iolite's influences. It was thought to promote charity and helpfulness. Legends describe Iolite as strengthening eyesight.
Jade - Jade stones representing the heart were placed in the sarcophagi of the dead.... Jade was used extensively in daily and ceremonial objects of Chinese nobility, and represented high rank and authority. It was commonly carved into meaningful shapes such as fish, birds, bats, or dragons. The Chinese believed that since Jade objects lasted so long, due no doubt to Jade's toughness, that Jade was linked to immortality. Jade amulets were also buried with the dead in China. Symbolic circles called "pi," which represent infinity, were carved of the gemstone. In Taoism, the supreme heavenly god is called the "Jade Emperor." The Chinese still revere Jade and believe that it brings good luck, benevolence, purity, and enhanced intelligence..... Legends about Jade include a wide range of healing influences of the eyes, nervous system and of the organs, particularly the kidneys. It was worn in amulets over the kidney area, and on the arm, and was reputed to magically effect the removal of kidney stones.
Lapis Lazuli - used in European cultures to symbolize the heavens in which the stars are held, and in some cultures to signify chastity. Lapis Lazuli was thought to be a cure for melancholy and fever.... Some people believed that the ten commandments were in fact carved on tablets of Lapis Lazuli. Legends describe Lapis Lazuli as being a favorite stone of the alchemists. It was thought to bestow wisdom and promote truth. By placing it on a painful area or where swelling occurred, it was thought to provide relief. The gemstone was worn as a talisman to attract friends, gain favors, and protect the wearer in darkness.
Mandarin -
Moonstone - Many of this gem's legends come from its association with the moon. The ancient Greeks and Romans linked the stone with moon deities, most often representing the feminine side of creation. It was thought to be an important gift when given to a lover, and would allow one to tell the future if held in the mouth during a full moon. A Moonstone placed beneath the pillow or worn while sleeping induced dreams that prophesied the future.... Other European tales tell of how moonstone had the power to cure fever, arouse passion, and protect from moonstroke and lunacy. It was also believed to ward off cancer and protect the traveler.... Hindu legends hold that Moonstone was actually solidified moonbeams which reached earth, and revere it as a good luck object. Indian astrologers use Moonstone to befriend the moon and make use of its energy. Moonstone is credited with curing anxiety, strengthening resolve, and relieving high blood pressure..
Opal - The Arabs thought that opals were formed by lightning strikes and that this is why the brilliant flashes of color are captured within. Other legends said that Opal would act to ward off lightning, and give the cloak of invisibility to its wearer when desired. It was supposed to grant vigor, aid the heart and kidneys, and protect against fainting and infection.... A modern folktale, in which a person should not wear Opal unless it is either their birthstone or a gift, traces its roots to the 1817 novel by Sir Walter Scott, "Anne of Geierstein," in which Opal is associated with misfortune borne by the heroine.... Opal should be treated with some care to prevent sharp blows, scratches, and should never be kept in oil or other chemicals. Opal contains a percentage of water as part of the stone; it need not be kept in water, but should never be stored in a bank vault for long periods of time because of the dehumidifiers used in many vaults.
Pearl - Pearls have long been used in Asian medicine, and are thought to be efficacious in the cure of eye ailments, heart trouble, indigestion, fever and bleeding. They are sometimes taken like pills or ground up as medicine components. Since pearls are in fact rich in calcium, they actually would be very effective in aiding indigestion and curing heartburn..... The Chinese have a legend that pearls fall to the earth as rain when dragons fight in the sky, and that pearls offer protection against fire breathing dragons..... Western beliefs held that pearls could cure mental illness and soothe heartbreak for the wearer. They were also credited with being a powerful antidote against poison. Ancient tales tell of how rain, or the tears of angels, was supposed to have fallen in the open shells of oysters, which turned the drops to Pearls. When manna fell from Heaven, it was believed to have been accompanied by Pearls and precious gems. Pearls were symbolic of purity and clarity, and were associated with the moon. Moslem writings refer to the "Pearl of Paradise" and it is said that heaven is beautified by many red Pearls.... Cleopatra was said to have dissolved a pearl in wine and swallowed it to seduce Mark Antony. The Pearl was thought to be a powerful aphrodisiac, and to attract love.... One of the most ardent admirers of pearls was Queen Elizabeth I of England, who wore dresses studded with pearls of incredible richness. She was reputed to have confiscated several fine Pearl necklaces from Mary, Queen of Scots. Still pearls were favorites of many other European royal figures. Henry VIII wore a massive gold crown studded with rubies, sapphires, diamonds, and 19 pearls, as well as a necklace set with large round pearls. Rudolph II, emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, was fond of pearls and collected pearls from America.
Peridot - To develop it's full potential as a talisman, it was thought that Peridot must be set in yellow Gold. It would then protect its wearer against nightmares and terrors of the night, and served to ward off the evil eye. Other legends credit Peridot with bringing happiness and good cheer, attracting lovers, and strengthening the eyes. It was also said to aid in digestion, and to cure liver ailments. If strung on a Jackass' hair and worn tied to the left arm, Peridot would keep evil spirits at bay. Pliny wrote that Peridot was dull during daylight hours, but would glow like a hot coal by night. Peridot is found today mostly in the USA, but also Australia, Brazil, and Burma. Care should be taken to protect Peridot from rough treatment and sudden temperature changes.
Ruby - its magical significance is often tied to curing diseases of the blood and stopping bleeding... was supposed to ensure harmonious physical and mental health, bring peace, and guard homes and fields against storm and catastrophe. The fiery red gemstone was said to attract and maintain love, and ward off sorrow, inspire boldness and bring success in business.... It was supposed to keep away plague, and relieve pain. Ruby would warn its owner against disaster by turning black when danger was near. As an interesting parallel to physical reality, Ruby will turn black when heated with a torch, returning to red as it cools.
Saphire - To some religions the blue color represents the heavens. Blue Sapphire has been a holy stone to the Catholic church, and to ancient Persians, who believed that Sapphire made the sky blue. It was identified with chastity, piety, and repentance, and it is said that King Solomon wore a Sapphire ring. Sapphire would keep one's thoughts pure and heavenly and help those in the right find justice in legal matters. The Gemstone was also thought to be a powerful amulet to protect against poisons and cure ulcers. The Sapphire warded off poisonous creatures, and killed snakes hiding nearby. It would also cool fevers, sharpen eyesight, and protect against mental illness. The most important attribute of Sapphire was said to be that of protection against sorcery. It was thought to banish evil spirits and frighten devils. It would turn evil sorcery and negative spells back against the sender, provide advance warning of hidden dangers, and free the mind of the enchanted. Sapphire was important to wizards and seers who used it to help interpret visions and prophesies. It was thought to be effective in quelling inflammation of the eyes.
Tanzanite - sadly, too new to have any properties......
Topaz - The old traditions hold that Topaz bestowed many benefits upon its wearer. It would relieve bad dreams, dispel cowardice, calm the temper, cure madness and plague, and sharpen the wit. It was thought to aid in sleep and eliminate nightmares, as well as cure rheumatism and soreness in the joints. Topaz was also credited with being effective against bleeding and heart disease. The gem was said to instantly lose its color to indicate that poison was present, thus protecting its owner. Topaz was also thought to bring fidelity and friendship if constantly worn without being set aside. It was also believed to be an effective talisman against accident and fire, and to bring increased intuition and long life. To Christians, Topaz has been known as a symbol of uprightness and virtue. Hindus believe that worn as a pendant, this gemstone will relieve thirst, sharpen intelligence and lengthen one's life. It is thought to be the ideal stone for travelers, protecting them from accidents and homesickness. The ancient Romans credited Topaz with preventing sickness of the chest and abdominal tract.
Tourmaline - has a property known as pyroelectricity. Pyroelectricity is a legitimate 'magical' property. When gently heated, Tourmaline generates a static electrical charge which attracts dust and other lightweight objects. Tourmaline was thought to be an aid to meditation, fostering compassion and cool headedness. It was said to protect its wearer against many dangers, particularly that of falling. The gem was highly valued by alchemists who, possibly because of it's pyroelectric effect, believed it to be related to the philosopher's stone. This was said to be the substance that would grant enlightenment, give power over spiritual affairs, reconcile opposites, and change base metals to Gold.
Turquoise - Turquoise has always been highly venerated in Native American traditions. It is an essential presence in the Shaman's medicine bag. The Pueblo people often placed Turquoise in the floors of their dwellings to bring good fortune. Old European traditions associate Turquoise with horses, and hold that the stone will protect horses from all sorts of ills. In particular, it was said to prevent them from drinking overly cold water while overheated and foundering. Turquoise was said to enable its wearer to resist evil and maintain virtue. It was credited with helping achieve a state of higher consciousness and resistance to weakness. It was also thought to protect its wearer from falling, particularly from towers and horses. Tibetans revere the stone and believe it represents good fortune, good health, and that it provides powerful protection against the evil eye. Turquoise is used in Tibetan healing ceremonies, where a Turquoise bead is thought to hold the shadow soul and draw out illness from the body. Buddhists associate Turquoise with knowledge of the future. Many Tibetans still wear necklaces with Turquoise, and coral beads which are hundreds of years old, and Turquoise often adorns ceremonial objects. In both Tibet and Nepal, Turquoise is highly esteemed and can also serve as currency.
Zircon - In Europe's medieval times, Zircon was believed to bring wealth to its owner, cure insomnia, bestow honor and wisdom, and to keep away sickness and evil spirits. Found in Sri Lanka, Kampuchea, and Burma, Zircon is prized by Hindus who ascribe to it the power to remove fear, clarify the mind, and induce spiritual growth. Their astrologers say that the Zircon should be purchased and set by the jeweler on a Saturday of an ascending moon.