MALACHITE: ROSICRUCIAN SYMBOL OF ETERNAL SPRING: USED IN ANTIQUE CAMEI AND INTAGLI: VIRTUES: A SLEEP STONE: MARBLE, THE STONE OF STATUES: VARIETIES: EMBLEM OF IMMORTALITY: THE SYMBOL OF MERCURY: THE IMAGE OF SILENUS: MEERSCHAUM: KAVOL KOWATES MAKES A MEERSCHAUM PIPE: MELANITE: MOONSTONE OR CEYLON OPAL: INDIAN BELIEFS: STONE OF PROPHECY AND LOVE: SPECIMEN OF POPE LEO X: MOSS AGATE: AN EMBLEM OF RESURRECTION: ORPHEUS’S ADVICE: MOTHER OF EMERALD: MOTHER OF PEARL: NACRE: EMBLEM OF WOMEN: CUSTOM OF THE WEST AUSTRALIAN NATIVE: NEPHRITE: LAPIS NEPHRITICUS OR KIDNEY STONE: SIR WALTER RALEIGH’S DESCRIPTION: JADE AND JADEITE: CAMPHOR JADE: BURMESE JADE: NEPHRITE CHARMS: CHINESE AND JADE: FIND NEAR PEKING: THE NINE ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND THE FIVE CARDINAL VIRTUES: JADE AS A PREVENTIVE OF DECAY: MUSICAL JADE STONES: THE LUNAR FESTIVALS: JADE OF THE NORTH, SOUTH, EAST AND WEST: ITS HEALING VIRTUES: BUDDHA’S FOOTMARK: SYMBOL OF RULERSHIP: ADADU-NEPHROS OR KIDNEY OF ADONIS: THE 6 VARIETIES OF THE MAORIS: THE HEI TIKI: THE TAHUNGA STONE AND THE MERE OR PATTOO PATTOO: DAMOUR’S CHLOROMELANITE: PÂTÉ DE RIZ: PINK JADE: IONAN JADE: THE HYSTERIA STONE AT THE NEW YORK MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY.

MALACHITE

The Malachite derives its name from the Greek MALACHE, marsh mallow, from its resemblance to the soft green leaves of this plant. It is variously written as melochite, malachquite, etc. It is a green carbonate of copper which comes to us through the ages as a symbol of children and of the child of the year—eternal Spring. It has been confused with the Molochite of Pliny, but it is more likely the smaragdus medicus, as identified by Mr. King, and the chrysocolla of Theophrastus. In Rosicrucian philosophy it was the symbol of the vernal equinox and the arising of the spiritual man. Malachite and azurite (q.v.) have been found together in single specimens. Malachite is much employed for decorative purposes by the Russians, who have produced some excellent works of art in this material. It was greatly favoured by the Egyptians and antique camei and intagli have been frequently found patinated by the hard hand of age. The virtues ascribed to this stone are many. It strengthened the stomach, head and kidneys, prevented vertigo and rupture and saved the wearer from evil magic, seduction, falls and accidents. The Egyptians held it to be efficacious in cholera and rheumatism. It was said to bestow strength on children, to aid them during dentition, to ward off convulsions, all harm, witchcraft and the evil eye. Some old writers give directions for swallowing powdered malachite, especially for cardiac affections—a practice dangerous and undesirable. The action of stones and gems is subtle and the intense vibratory action is so gentle as to be usually quite unfelt by the material senses. Powdering a specimen disturbs the cohesive molecules and deprives them of their insidious action. A stone multiplies from without and by the laws of correspondence its action on man is always from external to internal. The Malachite was also called the Sleep Stone from its reputation of charming the wearer to sleep. It was also regarded as a protection from lightning. Massive malachite bears a close resemblance to the kidneys in the human body. It is under the zodiacal Libra.

MARBLE

Marble derives its name from the Latin MARMOR, cognate with the Greek MARMOROS, from MARMAIRO to sparkle. It has been variously written in England as marbre, marbyr, marbel, marbal, marboll, marbelle, merbyl, marbill, marbyll, marbull, marbell, etc. It is carbonate of lime, pure when the colour is white and of various shades of colour when combined with oxide of iron and other substances. The marble favoured by the ancients was the Parian which is finely granular, waxy when polished, and lasting. The beautiful Venus de Medici and other exquisite Greek statues were formed of Parian. Another favourite variety was the more finely grained and whiter marble of Pentelicus from which the Parthenon was built. The Pyramid of Cheops and other famous structures of the kind were built of a variety known as nummilitic limestone, which is composed of numerous disk-shaped fossils known as nummilites. Portor is a deep black Genoese marble with yellow veinings. The deep black marble of antiquity is known as Nero-antico; Rosso antico is a deep blood-red besprinkled with white minute marks; Verde antico is a misty green; Giallo antico a deep yellow with yellow or black rings. Carrara marble is greatly used by modern sculptors and was well-known to the ancients; it is a fine-grained pure white marble traversed by grey veins. Pure white marble was an emblem of purity and as such has always been regarded as fitting for tombstones and other sepulchral monuments. As an emblem of immortality it is expressed by the triform symbol of the planet Mercury (the cross, the circle and the crescent), with which is associated the Christ resurrection in Christian mysticism. Amongst Rosicrucian students the cross is symbolical of the pain of matter, for on it matter is fixed;—the circle the ascent of the soul which is above matter and never ending; the semi-circle which surmounts the whole, the spirit which is over all everlastingly. Evidences of the old custom—still followed in many countries—of placing pieces of white marble in the grave with dead bodies was some few years ago brought to light in Ireland. Dr. Holland’s translations from Pliny record “a strange thing of the quarries of the island Paros, namely, that in one quarter thereof there was a vein of marble found which when it was cloven in twaine with wedges shewed naturally within the true image and perfect portraiture of Silenus imprinted on it.” All marble is under the celestialcelestial Gemini.

MARCASITE. See PYRITE.

MEERSCHAUM

Meerschaum obtains its name from the German Meer, sea, and Schaum, foam, which is, according to Dr. Murray, a literal translation of the Persian KEF-I-DARYA (foam of the sea). It is also called keffekill and kiffekiefe, which has been credited with meaning the “earth of the town of Keffe or Kaffe,” the Crimean town whence it is exported. Its technical name is Sepiolite, and its various forms are given as myrsen, meershaum, meerchum, mereschaum, merschaum, meerschaum. It is a hydrous silicate of magnesia, extremely soft and light, smooth to the touch and in colour of white, grey-white, yellow and sometimes pinkish. Kirwan, the mineralogist, writing in the latter part of the 18th century says, “Kefferkill or Myrsen is said, when recently dug, to be of a yellow colour and as tenacious as cheese or wax.” It is well-known that the Tartars use newly dug meerschaum as we use soap, on account of its excellent lather. The peasantry at one time really believed it to be the petrified foam of the sea. The Meerschaum is included amongst the Galactites or Milk Stones. On account of its lightness it was first fashioned into a smoking pipe by a Hungarian shoemaker, Kavol Kowates, skilled in wood carving and metal work, in the old town of Pesth, in the museum of which town it now rests. The piece of meerschaum from which Kowates made his pipe was brought to Hungary by his patron Count Andrassy on his return from a diplomatic mission to Turkey. The Meerschaum is under the celestial Gemini.

MELANITE. See GARNET.

MOONSTONE

The Moonstone is an orthoclase feldspar of the opalescent variety of Adularia, of a pearly moon-like lustre—hence the name Stone of the Moon. It appears under the forms of moona, mone, mon, mowne, moone, moyne, mione, mune and muni; it is known in France as Pierre de la Lune. Its abundance in Ceylon has earned for it the name of “Ceylon Opal.” The Indians call it “Chandra Kanta,” and according to them it grows under the rays of the moon and absorbs in the process of formation an atmospheric ether which impregnates it with peculiar occult and magical properties. These properties once infused into the stone never leave it. They are said to have a remarkable effect on the psychic nature of man, enabling him to prophesy—according to Leonardus—in the waning of the moon and to love in the waxing. The natives of Ceylon have a story that every third seventh year moonstones of opalescent blue are, by the influence of the moon, hurled on the island shore by the waves. Pliny says that in the stone an image of the moon is impressed, which waxes and wanes in harmony with the luminary. It is related that Pope Leo X possessed a wonderful specimen which, obscure and dull when the moon was old, increased in brilliance as that orb grew from new to full. It is recommended that in order to know the future and to obtain spiritual guidance a moonstone be held in the mouth, under a waning moon. It is also necessary to be quite alone and to send out a mental prayer to the angel Gabriel (angel of the Moon) asking help by God’s grace. The Moonstone was considered as a charm against cancer, dropsy and affections of a watery nature. In fever, if applied to the temples it reduced the temperature and protected the patient. It also cooled heated imaginations and protected against moonstrokes and lunacy. The moonstone is said to protect the wearer from danger on the ocean and to give good fortune whilst travelling. As a symbol it signifies Hope, and as a dream symbol it indicates travelling and health—good when the stone is bright and clear, and bad when it is dark and lustreless. It is under the celestial Cancer.

MOSS AGATE or MOCHA STONE

The Mocha stone is said to have obtained its name from the Arabian city of Mocha whence it was exported. It has been written in various ways: mocus, mocoe, mocoa, mochoe, mochoa, mocha, mocho. It is called Piedra de Moca in Spain, Pierre de Mocka in France, and Mokkastein in Germany. The Mocha stone is called Dendritic because of the plant and moss-like infiltrations exhibited. These are like frost crystals often formed by the magic hand of Nature, and often also by plants held in hollows wherein the siliceous mineral was composed. The Mocha Stone besides being called Moss Agate is also called Tree Agate in common with silicified trees in which the original structural details are accurately preserved. Remarkable pictures formed by Nature in the Agate have already been noticed. Pliny hints at the employment of artifice in the production of many of these stones, and the secret was long a cherished knowledge of the Italian workers in gems. Early in the 19th century, however, some German scientists obtained possession of the secret and within the past few years artificial productions from Oberstein have reached the gem markets. The Mocha stone was accounted a most fortunate stone. It is associated with the influences of the planet Venus and was always noted as a sign of fertility. For this reason farmers tied specimens to their fruit trees, to the harness of their horses and to the horns of their cattle. In the early 19th century it was highly esteemed in Europe, and in England especially it was used for luck rings, oftentimes surrounded with rubies (stones of the sun). It was also used for mourning jewellery as an emblem of the resurrection and of the eternal life which alone is permanently manifest throughout Nature. Orpheus advises that to secure the smiles of the gods a piece of the stone should be worn, also that the ploughman carrying it would receive heavenly bounty. It was greatly esteemed by physicians and apothecaries as a base on which to prepare their medicines. As a symbol it stood for good health and long life and to dream of it, increase of possessions. It is under the celestial Taurus.

MOTHER OF EMERALD. See PLASMA.

MOTHER OF PEARL. See NACRE.

NACRE

Nacre or Mother of Pearl is the inner layer of various molluscs and is more particularly applied to the Meleagrina Margaritifera or large oyster shell in which the precious pearl is formed. The French call it MÈre Perle, and it is found written as Moder Perl, Mother Perle, Mother Pearle. Nacre is said to have derived its name from the Persian word NIGAR, painting, because of the iridescent colours displayed, but Dr. Murray, although remarking on its probable Oriental origin, regards its derivation as uncertain. Various forms are noted, as: nackre, nacker, nakre, naker, and there is no doubt of its antique application. Hoole in 1658 wrote that “the oyster affordeth sweet meat—the nacre pearls.” Mythologically the Mother of Pearl shell is symbolical of Latona or Leto “goddess of the dark night,” mother of the Sun god Apollo and the Moon goddess Artemis or Diana. She, as ancient story tells, whilst fleeing from the fury of Hera, Queen of Heaven, reached an island rock, driven about by the restless waves, which when solidly fixed by Neptune became the famous island of the Ægean Sea—Delos. Here were born the radiant twins Apollo and Artemis in a flood of golden light whilst the sacred swans encircled the island seven times. The golden light, so powerful at this event, is the light which at conjunction (new moon) blends with the silvery light of the night orb. The Pearl Shell like its child, the pearl, is always associated with female life which in astro-philosophy is moon-ruled. The natives of Western Australia, hidden in the bushes, charmed women by the aid of the reflected light from the shell of the mother of pearl. These big shells are thick, flat and roundish, in size often as much as a foot in diameter. The two varieties are known as black-lipped and silver-lipped, and within them rests the protected pearl. The pearl shell is greatly in demand for the manufacture of many and varied articles of commerce. It is under the celestial Cancer—the mansion of the moon and the sign of the deep ocean.

NEPHRITE

In ancient times the minerals comprising or included in this important group were commonly known by the name Lapis Nephriticus or Kidney Stone, and from this name in the 18th century Dr. A. G. Werner suggested the term Nephrite. To the Nephrite varieties the general term Jade is universally applied. The name occurs in old writings as jad and jadde, and is derived from the Spanish Hijada, kidney. Sir Walter Raleigh in 1595 wrote of this “kinde of stones which the Spaniards call Piedras Hijadas and we use for spleene stones.” Chemically the species included under the name “jade” are not the same, the nephrite jade being a silicate of lime and magnesia and the jadeite a silicate of sodium and alumina, but the modern scientist in common with the ancient scientist binds them together under the one denomination—kidney stone. In the 19th century Professor A. Damour demonstrated the chemical difference between jade and jadeite. The well-known Camphor Jade of China is a white jadeite, some specimens containing certain percentages of Chromium exhibiting those apple-green patches so highly praised by gem collectors. Burmese Jade, known as Chauk-Sen, (which since the 13th century has been principally exported to China) is chiefly jadeite, and the Imperial Jade of charming pale or apple-green colour, known as Feitsui and set down by some writers as chrysoprase, is more properly Prehnite. The nephrite charms—Piedras Hijadas—known in Mexico as Chalchihuith when the Spanish invaded that country were probably jadeites. The Chinese have held the jade family in the highest esteem and reverence for many centuries, and it poetically expresses to them all the virtues of many precious stones blended together. It is said that most of the nephrite used by them came from the Kuen-lun mountains in Turkestan, but the discovery of the mineral at no great distance from Peking in 1891 helped to make that city a great working centre. The Chinese word for jade is YU, expressed in their hieroglyph as a cross over a kind of semi-circle. Jade stone they know as YU-CHI, and precious objects of jade as OUAN YU. The words KHITCHINJOU-YU indicates a gem rare as jade, and the Imperial Academy was known as Jade Hall. The Turkestan name for jade closely resembles the Chinese YU in its form YASHM, YUSHM or YESHM.

Ages before the Christian era the jade was said to indicate the nine accomplishments, Charity, Goodness, Virtue, Knowledge, Skill, Morality, Divination, Rectitude, Harmony. YU may also be rendered “courage,” and in its connection with the jade stone or YU-CHI it included the five cardinal virtues—YU, bravery, JIU charity, JI modesty, KETSU equity, CHI discrimination. In her “Wanderings in China” Mrs. C. F. Gordon Cummings says: “The Chinese name for jade is YU-SHEK—(it may also be written YU-CHI) and that by which we call it is said to be a corruption of a Spanish word referring to a superstition of the Mexican Indians who deemed that to wear a bracelet of this stone was the surest protection against all diseases of the loins: hence the Spanish named the mineral Piedra di Hijada (stone of the loins) by which name it became known in Europe.” Jade is the concentrated element of love which protected the infant and the adult and preserved the bodies of the dead from decay. Dr. Kunz quotes the Chinese mystical writer Ko Kei who asserted that the body of a man who had consumed 5 pounds weight of jade powdered did not change colour when he died, and that when several years later it was exhumed no evidences of change or decay were visible. When vibrated this stone produces musical notes, and it was regarded as expressive of music and harmony, poets singing its praises. It was the emblem of love, beauty, protection and charm, and it graced the holy altars. For the altar of earth the symbolic jade stone was of yellowish hue, whilst during lunar festivals white jade was employed. Black—mentioned, but doubtful indeed—was the North Jade, and red the South. White was the West and green the East. It was said that in sickness the heat of the body drew out virtues from the jade, healing virtues soothing and life protecting. In “Buddhist Records of the Western World” Mr. Samuel Beal writes that “in the kingdom of Kuichi or Kuche in the Eastern Convent known as the Buddha Pavilion, there is a large yellowish-white jade stone shaped like a sea shell which bears on its surface what is said to be Buddha’s footmark. This footmark is one foot 8 inches long and 8 inches in breadth. It is said that the relic emits a bright sparkling light at the conclusion of each fast day.” Professor E. H. Parkes, M.A. in “Ancient China Simplified” mentions a custom of burying a jade symbol of rulership in the ancestral temple to protect the fortunes of the family, and jade symbols adorned private family insignia. Strangely enough the world’s people have always reverenced the nephrite as the kidney stone—the use of it goes further back than the knowledge of man. It was used in old Egypt as in old China, and Pliny mentions the Adadu-nephros or kidney of Adonis. This is an early identification of jade with the Venusian Adonis and the parts of the body over which Venus astrologically presides. The Indians call it the Divine Stone which is credited with being a cure for gravel and epilepsy and as a charm against the bites of animals and poisonous reptiles. It was also said to remove thirst and hunger, to cure heartburn and asthma and to affect favourably the voice, organs of the throat, the liver and the blood. Its greasy surface led to its employment as a hair improver, but its chief excellence was in nephritic disorders and specimens worn over the region of the kidneys or on the arm are said to have acted in a wonderful and unexpected manner in the banishing of these troubles. It is claimed also as a power for the removal of gravel. The Maoris of New Zealand according to the best authorities noted six varieties of jade. Punamu is their name for the whole species termed by authors of the last decade “green talc of the Maoris.” The well-known greenstone variety is termed Kawakawa by the Maoris, the paler and more precious Kahurangi, the greyish Inanga. The Tangiwai stone is a pellucid serpentine or variety of Bowenite. The Nephrite is a sacred stone to these sturdy New Zealanders who use it in the construction of their offensive and defensive weapons and sacred objects. These greenstone weapons are amongst the finest of known stone tools. The sacred and curiously formed charm, the Hei Tiki, is an esoteric symbol which is worn as a precious emblem and never parted with except for very weighty reasons. For example, a Hei Tiki recently handled by the author was given by an old chief on his deathbed to an English officer who had saved his life in the Maori war. The Tahunga stone—the stone of the magicians by the aid of which the flashes of light were directed by the Medicine Man to bewildered eyes, was usually formed from a Kahurangi type of greenstone, and the Mere or Pattoo Pattoo, a club of dark Punamu, was said to send its victims to the world of Spirits.

A variety of jade of dark green colour, discovered in the Swiss Lake dwellings and the dolmens of France usually in the form of Celts was termed Chloromelanite by Professor Damour. This Nephrite has also been discovered in New Guinea where it was fashioned by the natives into clubs and other implements. Other Nephrites have been termed Fibrolite or Sillimanite. The PÂtÉ de Riz is merely a fine white glass, and Pink Jade is usually a piece of quartz. Some beautiful specimens of translucent green jade are collected by children on the Island of Iona and many specimens have been unearthed in various parts of Europe. Professor Max Muller discovered in old Egypt a remarkable green stone used as a charm against hysteria; this interesting specimen is now in the Museum of Natural History, New York.

The Nephrite family is under the celestial Libra.