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Informationen zum Autor Diane Morgan is Adjunct Professor of Religion and Philosophy at Wilson College. Author of more than 30 books, she is a three-time winner of the Maxwell Award for excellence in writing on pet care. She is the author of Fire and Blood: Rubies in Myth, Magic, and History (Praeger, 2007), From Satan's Crown to the Holy Grail: Emeralds in Myth, Magic, and History (Praeger, 2007), and The Buddhist Experience in America (Greenwood, 2004). Klappentext Every culture has developed its own lore of rocks. From the stones of Aaron's breastplate to the foundational rocks of the New Jerusalem, from the creation tales of South America to the blood stones of Burma, gems have taken their place in the mythology and magic of the human race. This book details the lore attached to particular gems. Each chapter covers a particular stone and discusses the gem's geological, historical, mythical, and legendary qualities. A valuable resource for anyone researching symbols, myth, history, or literature, this book also helps science students understand the humanistic context of gemstones and offers social studies students a fascinating view of gems in world cultures. Each chapter covers a particular gemstone, such as diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds. It also covers organic gems, such as pearl, coral, and amber. The chapters discuss the natural history of the stone, including where the gem is found, its value, and its use; the role the gem has played in history, especially for certain famous stones such as the Hope Diamond; and the myths, powers, and legends that have attached to the stone over the centuries. Science students will appreciate the humanistic context the book offers for gemstones, while social studies students will appreciate its consideration of gems across times and places. Students of literature and the arts will welcome the book's attention to gems as symbols, and general readers will find it a fascinating guide to the lore and legend of precious stones. Inhaltsverzeichnis Preface General Introduction Agate Amber Amethyst Aquamarine Bloodstone Carnelian Cat's Eye Chrysoberyl Chalcedony Chrysosprase Citrine Coral Diamond Emerald Garnet Hematite Jade Jasper Jet Lapis Lazuli Malachite Moonstone Onyx Opal Pearl Peridot Rock Crystal Rose Quartz Ruby Sapphire Sardonyx Smoky Quartz Topaz Turquoise Zircon Bibliography ...