An enchanting book on how crystals and gemstones have been used in magic, both now and in the past, filled with snippets of lore useful for anyone contemplating using such stones magically, as amulets or binding tools. Instead of being divided up by stone type or composition, this book looks at gemstones in terms of their magical uses, with sections on each of the 7 Planets and their corresponding gemstones, as well as a grouping by the 12 zodiacal signs. Classical sources like Albertus Magnus, Francis Barrett, William of Auvergne, Agrippa, Marbod, Pliny and even the Graeco-Egyptian papyri are quoted at length, but always with an eye to the practical use of the stones under consideration. Not just gemstones but various minerals like stibnite, antipathes, chrysoberyl and corundum are catalogued and commented upon.