First published in 1913, this book explores the cultural significance of gemstones throughout history and across various cultures. Kunz, a renowned gemologist, offers a wealth of information on the properties of different stones, as well as their symbolic meanings and uses in folk medicine, divination, and other practices. He draws on a wide range of sources, including ancient texts, folklore, and his own extensive experience as a collector and expert. This book is both informative and entertaining, and will appeal to anyone interested in the history of gemstones and their cultural significance.This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.