BELIEFS
REGARDING LOADSTONE
Loadstone is
the mineral magnetite which is a type of
iron ore.It is a naturally occurring magnet discovered by the Greek and the
Chinese many years ago.In olden days,sailors suspended pieces of lodestone so
that they were able to turn and help them in navigation since they always
pointed North.So they were actually the first magnetic compasses used. The use of
a lodestone on board probably made navigation much
safer, and it paved the way to creating magnetic compasses and other more
sophisticated navigational aides.
The Greeks
have recorded interesting stories about the lodestone.We find in their writings
about a shepherd getting stuck to the ground as the nails of his horse was
pulled down by a loadstone.There is also a story of how the nails holding a
ship together were attracted by the power of a magnetic mountain.
Another
legend tells that a Chinese general used a swinging lodestone to help his army
find its way through dense fog.
There are
many beliefs regarding lodestone.Some think that possessing a loadstone will
attract only good things in their lives.Some are of the opinion that lodestone
possesses special healing powers. Early
medical practitioners used lodestones as diagnostic tools, and they believed
that the stones could be used to cure certain medical conditions.
Recent research has found that only a variety of magnetite with a particular crystalline structure, a mixture of magnetite and maghemite, has sufficient coercivity to remain magnetized and thus be a permanent magnet. One theory suggests that lodestones are magnetized by the strong magnetic fields surrounding lightning bolts. This is supported by the observation that they are mostly found at the surface of the Earth; not buried at great depth. hence it has been the very curosity of geologist till now
ReplyDeleteThank you for your interesting information
ReplyDeleteI have also heard that Feng-shui and Vastu Shastra approve the magical characters of loadstone......As far the healing is concerned, Magnetite has been used for healing since ancient times. In general it works to strengthen the iron in our blood. It also helps promote elasticity in the arteries. This combination allows more blood to flow through the body. With the increased flow more oxygen is available for use especially in injured areas. Magnetite can be placed on a strained muscle, a painful joint or a wound to accelerate the healing process.
ReplyDeleteIt is also an aid in healing broken bones, is used to relieve pain and assists in the removal of chronic pain. Magnetite can increase our energy and endurance. It enhances the immune system. By placing a sample of Magnetite in the palm of each hand a magnetic charge is applied directly to the heart region, assisting the heart in its function.