Stone Amulets
Amulet is a term originating in ancient Egypt, and refers to small ornaments worn to ward off evil and bring good luck to its wearer.
 Stone amulets, made from a variety of semi-precious stones, are as old as Mankind itself. Early fears and suspicions of the unknown by ancient peoples led them to wear small amulets or talismans which were believed to have magical properties and to protect the wearer from physical harm. Though the type of stones often varied according to the region in which ancient people lived, some of them stood out in their attractiveness and are still being worn to this day. Some of the most early stone amulets were made from agate, a semi-precious stone that still has decorative attraction and is used to make table tops and other ornamental designs. Agate stone was first used by cave dwellers for both weapons and tools, due to its hardness. It was also thought to make the wearer invisible, a much desired benefit for hunting as well as warfare.
Other stones prized by ancients included blood stones, thought to contain drops of blood shed by Jesus; moon stones, sacred with the Romans and Indians due to its resembling the color of the full moon; tiger's eye quartz (pictured), thought to personify the Creator's "all-seeing eye"; and turquoise, considered sacred by both the ancient Egyptians and the Mayan and Aztec peoples of the Western Hemisphere. One stone, lapis lazuli, was prized by the ancient Egyptians and Babylonians, who ground it into a powder to use in cosmetics and ceremonial paintings. The haunting, dark blue color of this stone gave it a religious significance, and people were often buried with amulets made from this stone to guide them throughout the heavens in the Afterlife.
 Certain stones were thought to have medical healing powers. Amethyst, a purple stone, was thought to cure people of headaches, and to give personal protection. Aventurine, a greenish stone alleged to give courage and optimism, was worn by ancient Greek warriors into battle. Serpentine, a mysterious looking stone with waves resembling a serpent, was thought to give healing powers and protection to those who wore it.
Amulets have also been made from a variety of other materials, including metals (copper, pewter, gold and silver) wood, shells, and even dried skins of animals - and humans! Many amulets have religious and mystical symbols, incorporating those of the pentagram and hexagram, as well as metaphysical symbols used by both alchemists and early medical practitioners. All in all, stones appear to be most valued items for the making of amulets as they originate from Mother Earth, the giver (and taker) of all life.
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