Once, there was an angel, adorned with bedazzling jewels. His name was Lucifer, and he was the brightest of celestial beings. But when he was cast into hell, his precious stones - bright yellow citrines, glowing amethysts, sparkling sapphires etc. - rained down upon the earth.

Once, there was an angel, adorned with bedazzling jewels. His name was Lucifer, and he was the brightest of celestial beings. But when he was cast into hell, his precious stones - bright yellow citrines, glowing amethysts, sparkling sapphires etc. - rained down upon the earth.

According to Hildegard von Bingen, thanks to their heavenly origin, from now on these gems had magical healing powers. Besides dedicating a song to them - 'O splendidissima gemma!' (Oh, most splendid gem!) - she described the stones' healing properties in detail in 'Physica', her classic work on health and healing. The dark red garnet, for example, was praised for its heart-strengthening effect while Hildegard called the emerald the embodiment of her concept of 'viriditas' ('greening power'): nature's power to renew and refresh the human spirit. "Precious stones are born from fire and water. They contain many powers and are effective for many needs," the mystic mineralogist explained.

And let's not forget their bewitching beauty! Whether you believe in their healing energy or not, it's easy to imagine Hildegard and her sisters shining brightly with their heavenly gems while a particular wayward angel is casting jealous looks from the fires of hell.