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Acta Classica Universitatis Scientiarum Debreceniensis

Vol. 59 (2023)
Articles

Gagates: A Magical Gemstone

Published:
September 1, 2023
DOI Linkhttps://doi.org/10.22315/ACD/2023/7
Author
Attilio Mastrocinque
Keywords
Jet mineralogy ancient magic Gnosticism
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How To Cite
Selected Style: APA
Mastrocinque, A. (2023). Gagates: A Magical Gemstone. Acta Classica Universitatis Scientiarum Debreceniensis, 59, 95–104. https://doi.org/10.22315/ACD/2023/7
Abstract

The jet stone was used for amulets from antiquity to modern times. Legends and beliefs concerning it flourished. It is black and, being similar to amber, could be burned to obtain a smoke used for magical and medical purposes. Some religious ceremonies used it for attracting snakes. It was often confused with other stones, such as aetites and serpentine and even with agate because it was also called antachates.