gems, early lapidaries, early gemology, early mineralogy, Biblical gems

Examines the long tradition of attributing symbolic, magical, astrological and medicinal powers to precious stones, beginning with the twelve stones of Aaron’s breastplate and following their interpretation into the medieval lapidary tradition. Salvat distinguishes among magical or astrological lapidaries, Christian symbolic lapidaries, and more naturalistic or “scientific” lapidaries, showing how descriptions of stones combined inherited classical learning, biblical exegesis and beliefs concerning their therapeutic virtues. Particular attention is given to Bartholomaeus Anglicus’s De proprietatibus rerum and its accounts of the curative properties of stones. The study illustrates how medieval lapidaries occupied an intermediate position between natural history, medicine, theology and symbolism.