Laura Wright 
The simple stone is fairly mundane to us today, but there was a time when various stones were considered invaluable. Some of the old lore surrounding what we see as common rocks today:
- Gargates- Black Amber believed to have many paranormal virtues.
- Garnet- Believed to preserve health and joy, but often disastrous for love.
- Emerald- Preservative against decay. Believed to heal venomous bites and help during childbirth.
- Draconite- A stone believed to have came from a dragon’s skull. The stone was shiny, black and shaped like a pyramid. It is believed this stone cured poisons and endowed the possessor with courage.
- Demonius- A stone believe to have came from a “demoniacal rainbow.”
- Chrysoprase- A green and gold stone believed to cure or improve weakness of sight.
- Chelldonius- A stone from a swallow. It was believed to be good against melancholy.
- Cerraclus- Multi-colored stone that falls from the sky and reflects the likeness of the holder.
- Ceionitis- Also called Celontes, this stone is found inside a tortoise that resists fire.
- Cactomite- A prized stone that ensures victory in battles.
- Brimstone- While associated with evil, this stone was supposed to ward off evil from people.
- Bezoar- These were actually gall stones found in the corpses of dead animals, believed to heal injuries and neutralize poisons.
- Beryl- Believed to preserve wedding love.
- Belocolus- A white stone with a black pupil, renders wearer invisible.
- Balasius- A purple or rose colored stone. Overcomes vanity, reconciles and brings health.
- Antrachas- Also called Anthrax, this red, sparkling stone has white streaks. It is said to cure boils or posthumes.
- Antiphates- A shiny black stone that defends against witchcraft.
- Serpent-stone: Healed animal bites, particularly those of snakes.
- Kindney-stone: Also known as jadeite pebbles, this was a charm against loin pain.
- Blood-stone: These medicinal rocks were said to stop bleeding.
- Milk-stone: These beneficial items increased milk production in your cows.
- Thunder-stones: These offered protection against thunder, although it’s unclear as to the context or what the thunder was supposed to harm. Most likely, it was used to calm storms.
