magic stones in Judaism: the hoshen (priestly breastplate) gems
you may have seen modern-day Jewish talismans (in the form of jewelry, wall-hangings, key-chains, etc.) bearing a particular sequence of precious stones - these reference the stones set in the breastplate worn by the kohen gadol or high priest of the Israelites, as described in Exodus.
this passage from The Encyclopedia of Jewish Myth, Magic and Mysticism by Rabbi Geoffrey W. Dennis lists some of the stones’ properties:
Jews...have many occult traditions related to gemstones, and their power is suggested in the Latin proverb, Judaeos fidem in lapidibus pretiosis, et Paganos in herbis ponere (“Jews put their trust in precious stones and Pagans in herbs”).
The most famous gems mentioned in the Bible are the twelve stones, set in three columns of four rows, in the breastplate of the High Priest. Miraculous properties have been ascribed to the twelve stones, primarily as tools in divination. Since the exact translation of Biblical mineralogical terms is now lost, there are multiple conflicting lists for the stones that were actually used. This list comes from the medieval text Sefer Gematriot:
Odem (Ruby) has many benefits for fertility—it enhances male potency, prevents miscarriage, and eases labor pangs. Pitdah (Topaz) combats fevers and is also useful in love potions and rituals. Bareket (Carbuncle) sharpens the mind and combats the effects of old age. Tarshish (Beryl) helps digestion. Nofech (Jade, Emerald or Carbuncle) enhances strength and courage. Sapir (Sapphire) has medicinal value, especially in treatment of the eyes. Yahalom (Emerald) is a good luck charm and a sleep-aid. Leshem (Jacinth) can be used for scrying. Shebo (Agate) keeps a person secure and stable on foot or on horseback. Shoham (Onyx) is a charm that will gain favor for the wearer. Ahlamah (Amethyst) increases physical courage and is a phylactery against evil spirits. Yashfeh (Jasper) is useful in keeping one from revealing secrets and in curbing ardor.
as mentioned above, we don’t know for certain which stones actually correspond to the names given in the text, and there are many different alternatives suggested based on both the color described and the likelihood of finding a particular mineral in this historical context/location.
each stone was meant to represent one of the twelve tribes of Israel, and the name of each tribe was supposedly inscribed on the gems using the legendary shamir worm (who also aided in the construction of Solomon’s temple).
magic crystals (particularly crystal healing) may seem like a modern “New Age” fad, but belief in the power of stones can be found in the history of many cultures, and Jewish tradition has plenty of its own lore!