THE BOOK OF STONES: LAPIDARY OF KING ALFONSO “THE WISE” OF CASTILE

The properties of stones have been studied by men since ancient times. Their physical, chemical and magical qualities were carefully collected by the wise men in various manuscripts. The Lapidary of King Alfonso X “the Wise” is a compilation of treatises in which the properties of stones, precious and not so precious, are collected. Don Alfonso, the driving force behind the Toledo School of Translators, made its translation into Spanish possible from its original languages in the second half of the 13th century.

Only the first part of the eleven parts of the original Lapidary is preserved, which contains the work of the master and nature scholar Abolays and a treatise attributed to another scholar of the subject, Mohamad-Aben-Quich.

Abolays, who was the owner of a treatise on stones written by Chaldean wise men, studied and experienced what was explained there and translated it into the Arabic language. It is structured in three parts, which respectively describe the properties of 360 stones (30 for each of the 12 signs of the zodiac), the influence of the stars on them and the influence of the planets also on them.

Mohamad-Aben-Quich composed a manuscript also referring to the stones and their relationship with stars and planets, based on the knowledge of the wise men and their own experience, making an exhibition in alphabetical order.

We will focus on the following points in the curiosities of some of the stones mentioned in the Lapidary, mainly those of mineral origin. The Lapidary also refers to the properties of other stones of animal or vegetable origin, fossils or rocks. Some of the stones have not yet been identified.

THE POWER OF MINERALS. CURATIVE AND MEDICINAL PROPERTIES.

We will refer in particular to the healing and medicinal properties that were attributed to the stones that we have selected from all those mentioned in the Lapidary. However, it is not recommended to put into practice what is contained in the Lapidary that, from here, we transfer. It is possible to make interpretations of the text of the Lapidary with slight variations with respect to the one collected here.

We are going to begin by seeing what the Lapidary teaches us about some of the 30 stones that correspond to the 30 degrees of the sign of GEMINI and then we will comment on other stones of the rest of the zodiacal signs.

Gemini

GOLD (2nd degree of the sign of Gemini):

Description: Yellow, it is the most noble metal, it is very heavy and it is found in small pieces (nuggets) in the sands of seas and rivers. The more it is burnished, the more it clears up, so that one can look into it, as if it were a mirror.
Healing/medicinal properties: Its filings mixed with food and drink help the one who has heart tremor (palpitations) and weakness, as well as the one who has fears due to melancholy. Also, it heals or gets great benefit the one who has ringworm and the one who suffers from alopecia. Gold is also used in a burning state to seal wounds, as they do not blister and heal more quickly.
★ Gold belongs to the Class called Elements and its chemical symbol is Au (from Latin “Aurum”).

Cancer

ADEHENICH (1st -5th degree of the sign of Cancer):

Description: It is found in Copper mines and has 5 varieties: green (the colour of the stone called Prasma), peacock feather colour, green (similar to Verdigris used by painters), painted and three colours. It is made up of crusts, some layers on top of others, the product of the petrification of mist on the Copper inside the mine. The layers are of one, two or several colours, depending on the nature of the place and the cleanliness of the air inside the mine, depending on whether it is cloudy or lighter.
Healing/medicinal properties: If when it is polished, the poisoned dust is given to drink, it heals; and if it is the healthy one who drinks it, it does him great harm, because it is in itself a mortal poison; therefore, so great an effort is made to expel the other poison from the body, that it loses its virtue and, therefore, does not harm, but benefits. The poison in the stone is received during the process of formation in the Copper mine.

► The first type, in green, is soft and light to break, darkening with dark time and lightening with light time. Every figure that is made of it falls apart; in some places it is worked on the lathe and made into boxes and other things. It is distinguished from the stone called Prasma (also green) because it is soft and always found in large pieces, while the Prasma is hard and is found in large and small pieces.
The one who has it in his mouth and swallows saliva is bad for him, especially for the respiratory ducts. If it is mixed with vinegar and spread with the mixture what is affected by the disease called rose (in Castile), the patient heals.

★ This stone seems to match the Malachite.

► The Malachite whose colour is similar to that of peacock feathers is soft in nature, like the rest of the Malachites. It clears up in the clear morning air.
If it is put on the scorpion wound, it helps. If 5 or 7 flies with their heads cut off are crushed with this stone and it is placed on a wasp’s wound, it heals and the pain disappears. If when the stone breaks, the Copper found inside is ground and given to drink to the one who has drunk poison from some animal, it heals.
★ The colour of peacock feathers is green and blue. Therefore it can be understood that it is a stone composed of Malachite and Azurite, which are minerals that have a similar chemical structure.

► The variety whose green colour resembles the Verdigris that painters use, if it is ground with linseed oil it is finer and lighter than the Verdigris.
Physicists put it in poultices because it has the property of cutting away the pains of hot abscesses and the redness in them, especially the abscess they call alhambra. If it is ground and tempered with water and applied to ringworm, it heals in one or two applications.
► The painted variety (of many colours) is a very strong poison, so if two or more drachmas are given to drink from it, it breaks the guts and stomach of the drinker, killing him later. The only antidote is the stone called Bezaar, which acts against deadly poisons. Whoever brings this stone with him, helps him against the sadness that comes from melancholy humor.
► The three-coloured variety (always green and white) is the most valuable of all the others. If it is covered with wine for two days and two nights, it melts and blends with it. If afterwards it is mixed with henna and the hair is washed with it, it is dyed with black dye that does not go away unless new hair is born. It dyes equally any member of the man on whom it is placed.

😉 You can visit our shop and get more information about Malachite.

SILVER or ARGENT or FEDA (12th degree of the sign of Cancer)

Description: White, it is a well known noble metal, found in many places and used for many things. The more it is polished, the more it shines, but it does not allow you to see through it. As a metal, it allows forging and smelting, it is lighter than Gold and less than Iron or Copper. It is not as soft to work with as Gold but more so than Iron or Copper. Salt lightens Silver.
Healing/medicinal properties: Its filings mixed with the medicines used against phlegm called vitreum, help. The same is true for all phlegm-related diseases.
★ Silver belongs to the Class called Elements and its chemical symbol is Ag (from latin “Argentum”).

LEAD or PLUMB or ARRAGAZ (13th degree of the sign of Cancer)

Description: It’s a known metal, found in many places.
Healing/Medicinal Properties: Burnt and applied to the eyes, it wipes away moisture and heals sores, both in animals and men. Sores heal faster.
★ Lead belongs to the Class called Elements and its chemical symbol is Pb (from latin “Plumbum”).

Leo

SULPHUR mixed colors (30th degree of the sign of Leo)

Description: stone lighter than other types of Sulphur, with a mixture of colours.
Healing/Medicinal Properties: Crushed and mixed with oil it heals scabies, itchiness, nasal mucosa catarrh and cough. It helps in the treatment of pulmonary phthisis.
★ Sulphur belongs to the Class called Elements and its chemical symbol is S (from latin “Sulphur”).
😉 Visit our shop and find out more about Sulphur.

Virgo

LEAD (18th degree of the sign of Virgo)

Description: dark stone, brown colored that throws to green and dripping with yellow and black drops. It is difficult to break. They are big pieces, of which they become glasses and bowls in which the scents of what is poured in them are preserved and strengthened. However, it is harmful to eat in them, as they make you sick with melancholy.
Healing/medicinal properties: It undoes the thick dandruff and heals the split ends, washing the head with water mixed with mother’s milk in which the Lead stone has been previously introduced.

MARBLE or FARAZTAZ (20th degree of the sign of Virgo)

Description: the best is white, with green, yellow and red streaks.
Healing / medicinal properties: Burnt and mixed with Ammonia Salt and then ground, applied to yellow or black teeth and turns them white and tightens the gums. By applying the powder of the ground and burned stone to the fire burns, it improves them. If these powders are given to the person who wants to vomit, it dissuades him, pressing the mouth of the stomach. The ground stone mixed with oil and wax helps the pain of the foundation (anus).
★ Marble is a metamorphic rock that is derived from Limestone and is composed mainly of Calcite.
😉 In our shop you can see a sample of different types of Calcite and more information about it.

 

TO BE CONTINUED…

PRESENTATION OF “AQUAMARINE” IN MINERALITUM.COM, ONLINE MINERAL SHOP.

“AQUAMARINE” is inspired by nature and the universe of minerals. It is an original musical theme, played on the piano, which has been composed exclusively for MINERALITUM.COM and for all its followers.

We love “AQUAMARINE” because when we listen to it, it connects us with the natural world, reminds us of the flow of the waters or the awakening of a sunrise. From beginning to end it transmits good feelings, such as serenity, harmony, joy… It manages to evade us and make us spend pleasant moments.

Something similar happens when we contemplate mineral pieces. We perceive its harmony, which is provided by its ordered crystalline structure, and its beauty, which is reflected in its inimitable color, its luster, its vivacity… Its perfection radiates good vibrations and brings us happy moments.We encourage you to listen to “AQUAMARINE” and let your imagination fly, let’s see what it suggests to you. We hope you like this special tune. Enjoy!

PIECES SHOWN IN THE VIDEO “AQUAMARINE”.

The pieces that appear in the music video can be found in our online shop www.mineralitum.com. Spectacular fluorites of various colours, powerful quartzes, dazzling amethysts, vibrant malachite, hypnotic garnets, delicate calcites, bright carnelians…

The list of minerals in order of appearance on the video is:

1. Green blue Fluorite. China. 90x70x45 (mm).
2. Green blue Fluorite. China. 70x60x36 (mm).
3. Violet Amethyst (variety of Quartz). Brazil. 75x60x30 (mm).
4. Fluorite octahedrons (purple, green, pink). China. 5 pieces of different sizes.
5. Purple Fluorite. China. 110x115x40 (mm).
6. Yellow Quartz. China. 175x100x117 (mm).
7. White Quartz. China. 130x120x80 (mm).
8. Orange Topaz. Brazil. 95x70x60 (mm).
9. Orange Carnelian heart (Chalcedony type). Madagascar. 78x63x35 (mm).
10. Green blue Fluorite. China. 110x85x45 (mm).
11. Iceland Spar (variety of Calcite). EE.UU. 74x54x47 (mm).
12. Green Fluorite. Madagascar. 85x60x45 (mm).
13. Green Malachite. Democratic Republic of Congo. 75x35x25 (mm).
14. Green Fluorite. Madagascar. 137x95x45 (mm).
15. Green Fluorite. China. 75x59x80 (mm).
16. Yellow Calcite. China. 105x60x75 (mm).
17. Reddish yellow Calcite. China. 64x68x50 (mm).
18. Green Quartz. China. 70x55x130 (mm).
19. Garnet. China. 80x60x55 (mm).
20. Transparent Quartz (Rock crystal). Brazil. 90x60x80 (mm).

AQUAMARINE.

Aquamarine stone is a variety of Beryl (Be₃Al₂(SiO₃)₆), which belongs to the Cyclosilicates. Its tone is bluish, similar to that of seawater. It is highly valued in jewelry.

Beryl crystallizes in the hexagonal system and its crystals are hexagonal prisms. The faces of the prisms are often striated in longitudinal direction. It is very hard (7,5 – 8 Mohs) and light (2,65 – 2,90 g/cm³), translucent or transparent, with a vitreous luster and it has an imperfect cleavage, in basal direction.

As a curiosity, Aquamarine is related to calm.

WHAT IS A MINERAL?

Minerals are natural chemical combinations, which can be very complex, although sometimes, more rarely, they are made up of simple elements such as carbon, gold, silver, or alloys that were formed in the course of geological processes. Most minerals are of non-organic composition, although exceptionally there are combinations of organic origin. More than 4.000 mineral species can be found in nature. The most abundant are silicates.

HOW WERE THE MINERALS FORMED?

The minerals that were formed and that continue to be formed on the surface and in the interior of the Earth, do so from magmatic processes in the interior of the Earth. In the course of the magmatic process, minerals are formed from incandescent melting silicates (the magma). When this magma reaches the upper layers, it cools and solidifies. During this process the minerals are formed, solid bodies that are the result of these chemical reactions and that present crystalline structures with an ordered atomic composition, also producing rocks with differentiated chemical compositions.

WHAT IS A GEM?

A gem, also popularly known as a precious stone, can be a type of mineral, a rock, or a petrified material, which after being properly cut and polished is plausible to be used in jewelry. There are different types of gems, standing out, among others: turquoise, tiger eye, chrysocolla, hematite, tourmaline, carnelian, rose quartz, malachite, sugilite, pyrite, amethyst, ruby , obsidian, jasper, lapis lazuli, agate, jade, feldspar, topaz, opal, diamond, emerald, sapphire, aquamarine.

WHERE ARE THE MINERALS EXTRACTED FROM?

The minerals are extracted from the mines. There are two types of mining: surface mining and underground mining. In surface mining, minerals are mined when they are found over a wide area, but not too deep in the ground. However, some minerals are found far below the surface of the earth, and underground mining is used to extract them.

ESOTERIC PROPERTIES OF MINERALS

There are theories that claim that crystals can have healing properties in people on a physical and psychic level. One of these currents defends that the crystals could influence the energy points (chakras) located in different parts of the body, so that when placed on them, they would vibrate energetically and could achieve their balance. This interconnection would produce physical and spiritual benefits in people. But not only its application in specific points of the body could bring these benefits. Since ancient times, there have been beliefs related to the power of minerals and their use in ornaments or talismans to prevent illness and negative energies and attract prosperity. This is the case of the ancient Egyptians, who used lapis lazuli in jewels, ornaments and amulets to keep away bad energies, to enhance clairvoyance, the connection with the beyond. It has also been used as a drink, mixing its powder with oil, wine or other liquids, to heal ailments.

Although there are no scientific studies that prove these beliefs, what we understand that cannot be denied is that the mere fact of contemplating the spectacular chromatic and formal beauty of the pieces that we have selected from Mineralitum for our shop online produces a positive effect on the spirit. Perhaps it is time to acquire one, the one that attracts us the most.

WHY BUY IN MINERALITUM.COM?

Mineralitum.com is not just another mineral website like others you can find on the internet. In Mineralitum we are a team specialized in this sector, and for this reason we have selected our pieces from different corners of the planet, minerals that are true jewels of nature for the collector, attending to a very careful selection process based on the beauty and spectacularity of these, in the form, size, crystallization, color, and another series of characteristics that make them exclusive pieces. Their enormous attraction not only convinces the collector, but also anyone who wants to give something truly different or exclusive as a gift or to treasure it in their home as a decorative object, because our pieces are works of art created by Mother Nature and distinguish them from any other man-made ornament, making every mineral a unique and exclusive object.

We bring you the best pieces, some of them authentic museum pieces, for all those who wish to enjoy truly unique and spectacular fragments of nature in their homes. We are known for our professionalism, transparency and professional rigor.