Chapter Sun to Superstitions of S by Brewer's Readers Handbook

The agate is the emblem of health and long life, and is dedicated to June. In the Zodiac it stands for Scorpio.

(2) Amber is a cure for sore throats and all glandular swellings.—R. B.

It is said to be a concretion of birds’ tears.—Chambers.

Around thee shall glisten the loveliest amber
That ever the sorrowing sea-bird hath wept.
   —T. Moore: Lalla Rookh (“Fire-Worshippers,” 1817).

The birds which wept amber were the sisters of Meleager, called Meleagridês, who never ceased weeping for their brother’s death.—Pliny: Natural History, xxxvii. 2, 11.

(3) Amethyst banishes the desire of drink, and promotes chastity.—R. B.

The Greeks thought that it counteracted the effects of wine.

The amethyst is an emblem of humility and sobriety. It is dedicated to February and Venus. In the Zodiac it stands for Sagittarius, in metallurgy for copper, in Christian art it is given to St. Matthew, and in the Roman Catholic Church it is set in the pastoral ring of bishops, whence it is called the “prelate’s gem,” or pierre d’ évêque.

(4) Cat’s-eye, considered by the Cingalese as a charm against witchcraft, and to be the abode of some genii.—S., 168.

(5) Coral, a talisman against enchantments, witchcraft, thunder, and other perils of flood and field. Hence the use of coral necklaces. It was consecrated to Jupiter and Phœbus.—S., 233.

Red coral worn about the person is a certain cure for indigestion.—R. B.

(6) Crystal induces visions, promotes sleep, and ensures good dreams.—R. B.

It is dedicated to the moon, and in metallurgy stands for silver.

(7) Diamond produces somnambulism, and promotes spiritual ecstasy.—R. B.

The diamond is an emblem of innocence, and is dedicated to April and the sun. In the Zodiac it stands for Virgo, in metallurgy for gold, in Christian art invulnerable faith.

(8) Emerald promotes friendship and constancy of mind.—R. B.

If a serpent fixes its eyes on an emerald, it becomes blind.—Ahmed ben Abdalaziz: Treatise on Jewels.

The emerald is an emblem of success in love, and is dedicated to May. In the Zodiac it signifies Cancer. It is dedicated to Mars, in metallurgy it means iron, and in Christian art is given to St. John.

(9) Garnet preserves health and joy. —R. B.

The garnet is an emblem of constancy, and, like the jacinth, is dedicated to January.

This was the carbuncle of the ancients, which they said gave out light in the dark.

(10) Loadstone produces somnambulism.—R. B.

It is dedicated to Mercury, and in metallurgy means quicksilver.

(11) Moonstone has the virtue of making trees fruitful, and of curing epilepsy.—Dioscorides.