About the Historical Value of Emeralds for Medicinal Use

Emerald

The emerald is especially commended for amulets to be suspended from the necks of children; it is believed to preserve them from epileptic convulsions and to prevent the falling sickness; but if the violence of the disease is such that it cannot be overcome by the stone, the latter breaks up. Bound to a woman's thigh it is said to hasten parturition; hanging from the neck it drives off vain fears and evil spirits. It strengthens the memory, restores the sight, reveals adultery and gives a knowledge of the future, produces eloquence and increases wealth.

Besides the usual designation marakata which Garbe believes to be derived from the Greek ??, the Sanskrit has several distinguishing names for the emerald. One of these, acmagarbhaja, signifies "sprung from the rock," and well describes the emerald in its matrix. Another name is garalari, "enemy of poison," indicating the great repute enjoyed by this stone in India as an antidote for all animal, mineral and vegetable poisons. In Mexico the emerald bore the name Quetzalitzli, "stone of the quetzal," because its color resembled the brilliant green of the plumes of the bird called in the Mexican tongue quetzal. These plumes were worn as insignia of royalty by the sovereigns of Mexico and Central America, and hence the emerald was regarded as an essentially regal gem, although its use was not confined to royalty.