Myths of Precious Stones. From the Arrows of Cupid and the Apple of Adam to Living Silver and the Skin of the Great Serpent

Why were precious stones named not only in honor of gods and heroes of myths but also in honor of notorious villains? Which mineral is attributed to Adam?

What stone was in the ring of Solomon and what is the meaning of the myth of Polycrates? Why is it impossible to identify the gemstones from the Bible?

Precious stones, metals, and jewelry made from them were shrouded in legends and myths in many ancient cultures.

Today, the belief in the magical power of precious stones raises confusion, however, our ancestors, bestowing gemstones with magical properties and making guesses about their origin, tried to explain the world around them in this way.