Rating: 
Summary: A Revised Essential
Review: My review is based on the revised 2002 second edition, first printing of this title. The first edition went through 22 printings, evidence that this book will be a sought-after reference for years to come.Scott Cunningham introduced the secrets and powers of over 100 gems and metals in his book. What I find especially pleasing is the 16-page color insert in the middle. The photos are clear and brilliant, very colorful samples of some of the most popular magical gems. Hematite or bloodstone, is one of my favorites. This book revealed the folk name as being "volcano spit." Its element is fire, and powers are healing, grounding, and divination. You will learn magical lore and uses for many stones, but most of all you will be encouraged to use the ones that speak to your personally. I have a friend who collects rocks wherever she goes, and has a story for each one of them. She even inherited a jar of rocks from her Great Grandmother, a gift that is precious to her. She will love this title. Any rock collector or person who uses stones as a spiritual tool should get this book in their reference collection!
Rating:
Summary: Useful....
Review: Not one of Cunningham's best pieces of work, this book still proves quite useful! Another staple to add to any magician's or witch's library. There are better books out there on the subject, but if you are a big Cunningham fan than you will like this book.
Rating: 
Summary: Gemstone maven
Review: One of the first books I bought dealing with precious "rocks" and magick. Full of information.
Rating: 
Summary: Ok for the basics, but it shouldn't be your only book
Review: Overall, this is a good book. It's more user friendly then most "non-Wiccan" reference books, and the information is accurate, thoughtful, and informative. It's a good little book to carry with you when you go stone shopping, because it's large enough to have the basics, but not so large that it's cumbersome. However, the book does have some very basic flaws...
For example, in the new and updated version, there's a color insert of pictures of stones... It's not helpful, and if anything, it just makes things confusing. For example, they show a picture of a "rough" Labradorite. Who is going to see a rough Labradorite and know what it is? They do the same with several other stones, turning them from easily recognizable, to a stone that you can't differentiate from a rock at a playground. There also is no description of the stones. It is just assumed you know what they are. Also, if you are a basic collector and you want to know what quartz is, you're OK. If you've moved on to collect other exotic and unique stones, you find yourself more often then not putting the book aside in frustration because the cool stone you just bought isn't mentioned.
This a good book for beginners, but for those who are going to be practicing metal or gem magick, you will quickly outgrow it and want something a little more complete. Also, you should treat this book as you would any other "field guide." If you're looking for basic information, enough to get by, this book will be OK. If you're looking for in depth knowledge on a couple of stones, you're best finding another resource.
Rating:
Summary: ANOTHER GREAT REFERENCE FROM SCOTT C.
Review: Scott Cunningham was one of the greatest authors of the nature aspect of Wicca. This book is just one more example of that. I feel, though, that this book is more for an advanced person with some knowledge on this religion and its workings. This is a great reference book to grab if you know what you are looking for and need some quick information. I constantly use this one.
Rating: 
Summary: Thank you!
Review: Thank you, for all your 2 cents. This Old-keeper, dosn't like to buy something. Only to be disappointed by thoughtlessness. Just for the sake of selling a book. My trolls need new shoes too. Anyone writing such nonsence. Of the polished stone being better then the rough. Obviously, only needs a "new boy toy."
Rating:
Summary: HUH
Review: The author gives a wiccan explaination of the use of stones and claims that stones which are polished are more powerfull than those in the rough. DONT WASTE YOUR MONEY
Rating:
Summary: An indispensable addition to the occult library
Review: The late Scott Cunningham had a remarkable talent for compiling information into clear and readable accounts, such as his works on herbs,oils, incense, foods, etc. This book is no exception, as he offers an exhaustive encyclopedia about the magical properties of gems and precious metals. He provides a succinct history of the uses of each stone, its folklore, the deities it represents, and its magical uses. His bibliographies are always appreciated, as they are annotated, and offer a very helpful guide to further reading.
Rating:
Summary: A must-have-edifying for all, even the most closed-minded
Review: The late Scott Cunningham(may he rest in peace in the
Summerlands)really hit the mark with this book, and the
only sad thing is that he is not around to review some
newly used/discovered (or new in popularity, I mean)gems,
such as gaspeite, kyanite, labradorite, and spesserite.
I also wish he'd included a few pictures next to each stone,
(there are pictures included in a inset, but not for all
stones reveiwed), which would be difficult to due variations
in stones, but would give the reader some clue as to what to
look for for each, or, for example, that turquoise often has
black inclusions and jade can be lavender, of all colours! I
had thought I was seeing a fake, but now know I missed a rare
opportunity to buy a lavender jade. I also didn't know it came
in white, either. Other than that, given the time period it
was written, I use it as a reference constantly, and hold it as
a "gold standard" for other books of its ilk. A pity he (Scott)
has had to leave the Earth plane, for I am sure there is much
more he had to teach us. This book is a must-have for anyone
interested in gemology or new-age healing and properties of
stones, or even simply those who wear gems as jewelry just
because it looks good! Two thumbs up and as I said, this
book is indispensible to me./'Nuff said.
Rating:
Summary: All around excellent!
Review: This book has everything you could ask for -- detailed info on the most popular crystals, uses, spells, correspondences, and even crystal divination. I would recommend this book to both beginners and experts.
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