The Book of Sacred Stones: Fact and Fallacy in the Crystal World (Paperback)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Bestselling author Barbara Walker debunks the tall tales surrounding crystal mysticism and offers instead an intelligent alternative that includes a complete guide to minerals and their histories.

Because of her profound admiration for the beauty and mystery of crystals, Barbara Walker reveals in this two-part examination what crystals truly are, what they can -- and cannot do, and what they have meant to cultures down through the ages.

She exposes the crystal mystics' grotesque ignorance of the very subject of which they claim expertise and presents detailed discussions on crystal "vibrations," healing, and energies. She points with humor and insight to the incomprehensible "word salad" crystal mystics use to explain their notions.

Then, featuring an illustrated A to Z listing of all the minerals used in esoteric studies, Walker presents the true history, mythology, and attributes of each stone. This invaluable reference is for anyone interested in the facts and fiction of crystal mysticism.

About the Author

Barbara G. Walker, author of The Woman's Encyclopedia of Myths and Secrets, The Woman's Dictionary of Symbols and Sacred Objects, and many other books, is a member of the Morris Museum Mineralogical Society and the Trailside Mineral Club of the New Jersey Earth Science Association.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: HarperSanFrancisco; 1st edition (September 13, 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0062509217
• ISBN-13: 978-0062509215
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,041,745 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A worthwhile investment, October 11, 2000

By	Katrina Gibbs "Diva 57" (Chicago, IL United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is definitely one of the best books I've read on the subject. Over the past few years my interest in gemstones has increased, leading me to further investigate the subject by purchasing various "New Age" books. I'm impressed by Ms. Walker's technical knowledge and clarification of the healing properties associated with individual stones. I also enjoyed reading about stones which are usually not even referred to in other books, such as labradorite, cinnabar, etc. The photographs are beautiful, which only enhance her work. I believe this book is an asset to anyone's collection who is genuinely interested in a truly fascinating topic.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Gemological Resource, May 15, 2000

By	Barbara A. Voltaire (San Francisco, CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This reader friendly book is a well researched and documented source for reliable gemological and mineralogical information, with an anthropological bent. It traces the relationship between mankind and gemstones. This passionate relationship is as old as the species itself. Barbara Walker chronicles many of the current metaphysical associations and claims attributed to stones that are supported with irresponsible New Age pseudoscience. She correctly explains many terms and concepts that have been misused and/or misstated in recent New Age literature. I found the book compelling!

24 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Disbelief is not a license to dis, January 29, 2000

By A Customer

Ms. Walker has a great deal of working, technical knowledge of rocks and minerals, but she almost interrupts her clear descriptions of the minerals to tell the reader how stupid methphysicists are. My guess is she's locked into a particular religious dogma that doesn't allow for free thought. Hence, the title is misleading. That which is sacred to some is soundly mocked. At the same time, the information about the minerals is excellent and the photographs are beautiful. Guess it's true - that which we fear most in ourselves, we mock most in others. Maybe she's a closet shaman!