Greetings
Some time ago I published a post in which I talked about the “Devil’s Finger”, I didn’t even talk about it, but so... But the article “Devil’s Finger Stone” received an unexpected response, and I began to receive requests by email and in the comments to tell me where You can buy belemnites.
I don’t understand this topic myself, so I decided to find a non-profit organization
, which could help me in this matter.
And so... at one of the forums I met the tourist club of the Orenburg State Medical Academy , as it turned out, on their expeditions the students mine belemnite themselves
. They also make powder from it for medicinal purposes.
During the correspondence, I asked to talk about the healing properties of belemnites.
Today I am publishing an article prepared by 6th year student at the Medical Academy Max Alenushkin, in which you will learn about the use of belemnites (Devil's finger) in folk medicine.
By the way, they promised to send me several samples as a New Year's gift. And, as soon as I receive them, I’ll write a short report about it and post a photo, if you’re interested and don’t want to miss it, subscribe to updates
General characteristics of the stone
What is a damn finger? Another name for the stone is “thunder arrow”. The Devil's Finger is a stone with a rich history that has strong energy. It owes its past to belemnites, the oldest mollusks that lived on our planet about 70 million years ago. These creatures were the ancestors of modern squids and inhabited prehistoric waters everywhere.
Spirula is the only living descendant of these ancient creatures that resembles them in appearance. An anatomical feature of mollusks was that the shell (rostra) was located inside their body and did not perform a protective function. The belemnite's rostra served as a skeleton, and externally, part of the shell protruded outward in the form of a cartilaginous growth.
Interesting Facts
- Many peoples believed in the magical power of the devil's finger; most often it was used in a snake bite to neutralize the poison.
- A belemnite talisman or amulet is a must-have in the home and at work - the mineral protects against negative energy. The more bizarre the shape of the stone, the more powerful the amulet.
- In most cases, the mineral has a claw shape, but in regions where the stones are washed by the sea or ocean, belemnite takes on a pebble shape.
- A cut of the stone clearly shows the rings that form as the mollusk grows, similar to the rings on a tree.
- The name of the stone comes from the word dart, but this is not the only association - many nationalities have myths and legends associated with the mineral.
- The names of the stone among different nations: Russia - devil's finger, Scotland - bat stone, Lithuania - Pekun stone, China - sword stone, Holland - Donard stone, England - St. Peter's fingers, Egypt - thunder arrows.
- Most often, the stone was associated with thunderstorms and lightning.
What does it consist of?
The main element that makes up the mineral is calcium carbonate. The chemical composition of fossilized belemnite additionally includes magnesium, flint, bromine, manganese, tin, iron, silver and even gold. A detailed examination of the composition of the mineral reveals the presence of almost all elements of the periodic table. The strength of the stone is inferior to glass, but higher than that of amber.
The dimensions and cross-sections of belemnite shells vary. There are relics ranging in length from a few millimeters to 40 cm. Some varieties of mollusks reached a body length of up to three meters.
The color range of fossils varies depending on impurities. There are specimens of amber, brown, gray-gray and coal-black colors. After grinding, a holographic shine appears on the surface of the products. Amber-colored jewelry is considered the most attractive and expensive.
Physico-chemical characteristics of belemnite
The transformation of shellfish into stone has occurred all over the world, so the physical and chemical properties of belemnites may vary. Most specimens are composed of calcite or aragonite. Shades of shells range from gray to yellow and from light brown to cherry. Amber-colored stones are of particular value.
Devil's finger stone is found in sedimentary marine and marble rocks. The size of some rostra can reach 30-45 cm. The surface has a glassy, crystal-like luster.
What does belemnite look like?
The chemical composition is rich in useful minerals. In addition to calcium carbonate, the mass of which reaches more than 95% of the total weight of the elements, belemnite includes sodium, potassium, manganese, magnesium, titanium, iron and aluminum.
Locations of belemnite discovery
Science knows 350 varieties of belemnites. The shape and structure of their skeletons changed depending on their habitat and climatic conditions. The inhabitants of open waters had thin and long rostra. Mollusks with short and wide shells were found on the coasts.
Since these prehistoric creatures lived everywhere in the waters of our planet, their remains are found in all corners of the Earth. They are located at the depth of Cretaceous and Jurassic sediments. Large-scale finds were discovered in Australia. The belemnites located there are of high value, because after processing these damn fingers acquire an external resemblance to an opal stone. Because of this, jewelers willingly use them in jewelry.
As for our country, belemnites are found everywhere in the Moscow region. High quality specimens are found in the Vologda region. Devil's fingers can be found by digging with a shovel to a depth of up to half a meter.
Natural diversity of belemnites
In nature, there are more than 300 varieties of belemnite, varying in shell shape. Short and thick rostra are found on the coast, and long and thin samples are taken from the seabed. Stones found in sedimentary rocks are distinguished by their regular cone shape with a pointed tip. In places that are constantly exposed to water, belemnites with a smoothed configuration and rounded surfaces are mined.
The areas where belemnite can be found are concentrated in Russia, on the banks of rivers in the Moscow region. Large samples are mined in the Volgograd region. The most valuable and expensive specimens are mined in Australia. They are often used in jewelry to make various decorations.
"Thunderbolt" and folk superstitions
Belemnite mollusks sometimes wash up from the water onto the shore. Often they just lie under your feet and catch your eye at random. Our ancestors gave one explanation for this phenomenon. It was believed that it was associated with the pranks of Satan and impending troubles.
The devil's stone is a mineral with which other signs and beliefs are inextricably linked. Basically, they were of a negative nature, since he was credited with a connection with evil spirits. Some called him demonic. Despite this, many people widely used the healing properties of the stone in medicine and created talismans from it.
Belemnites powder was used to rub the site of a snake bite, as well as other wounds. It was believed that it relieves inflammation and promotes healing of the skin. As a rule, the process was accompanied by the reading of the conspiracy.
In Europe, it was believed that the use of the devil's finger helps restore vision. The powdered mineral was blown directly into the patient’s eyes. Unfortunately, the results of such “therapy” did not produce the expected results and only worsened the patient’s condition. The Scots infused water on the devil's finger. Already in the Middle Ages, these people knew that it helps with poisoning and digestive disorders.
Magical properties of the mineral
In ancient times, people believed in the protective properties of belemnites, that they protected their homes from fires, enemy invasions and other misfortunes. That is why they brought shells found on the shore into the house with the conviction that as long as the “devil’s finger” stone was in the living room, evil spirits would not be able to penetrate it.
Belemnite has magical properties
The Slavs had a tradition of placing shells in the graves of the dead as an amulet. For example, mounds in the Vladimir and Yaroslavl regions became burial places for sorcerers. Belemnites were found in their graves. The Dutch believed that these were fossils of lightning. And in order to divert the thunderstorm from the house, they were laid out on the roofs. The Scandinavian peoples believed that belemnites were candles of gnomes, which they left in caves while searching for gold and precious gems.
The Church condemned the use of such talismans, but this did not stop people from using them for various purposes. The stone was placed in the corner with the icon, and when children fell ill, a decoction was made on it for bathing.
Wearing belemnite in the form of a pendant charges you with energy and protects you from ill-wishers. Taking a stone in your hands, you can immediately feel a surge of vitality. If you constantly wear an amulet with a “devil’s finger” you can gain confidence in the future. Sinks will protect their owner from disagreements in the family, as well as troubles at work.
Healing properties and contraindications of the devil's finger
The healing properties inherent in the devil's finger stone are used to treat a wide range of diseases. Belemnites are 95% calcium. The remaining percentage comes from 70 other elements. It is noteworthy that the chemical composition of the stone does not contain toxic substances that were not present on our planet in the Mesozoic era.
Therefore, adherents of lithotherapy successfully use the Devil's Finger stone in their practice. The mineral is sold in specialized stores and also via the Internet. Ready-made powder is used for treatment.
It is not advisable to grind the mineral using improvised means. The process requires a lot of effort, time and additional equipment. For this you will need a stone crusher. It is equipped with a steel press in the form of a conical shaft. The stone is ground into powder by a spiked shaft.
Devil's finger powder is indicated for strengthening the immune system and increasing the physical activity of the body. Lithotherapists recommend doing the following: 0.5 g of belemnite powder is placed in a glass of warm purified water. The mixture is then shaken for one minute.
When the sediment reaches the bottom, the solution is filtered. It is consumed half an hour before meals, dividing this volume throughout the day. The course of therapy is 10 days. For osteoporosis, the course is extended to 30 days. However, you should consult your doctor before treatment.
Other diseases that are treated with the devil's finger include skin problems. Powder-based lotions are used for:
- burns,
- seborrhea,
- furunculosis,
- acne,
- varicose veins,
- psoriasis,
- eczema.
Devil's finger therapy also has contraindications. These are pregnancy, the presence of cancer, high blood pressure, the presence of kidney stones, and thrombophlebitis.
The healing properties of belemnite
In ancient China, belemnite was used to improve immunity. A powder was made from it, which was shaken in a container 40 times before use. Before each use, you need to prepare a fresh infusion. Add 0.5 g of powder to 0.5 cups of water. With its help, various skin diseases are cured: eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, etc. Wash with belemnite infusion to improve the condition of the skin, make it cleaner, remove acne and other inflammations.
Belemnite can increase calcium levels in the human body, which is why it is used to treat osteoporosis. Treatment with the “devil’s stone” is suitable for both men and women. Also, belemnite powder can cure tuberculosis, stomach ulcers and gastritis of various etiologies.
The healing properties of the stone can reduce the desire for alcoholic beverages. It also helps eliminate hangover in case of severe intoxication.
Application of belemnite in cosmetology
It has been scientifically proven that powders from prehistoric mollusks have a rich composition of valuable microelements. These components are used to prolong the youth of the skin and give it a fresh, well-groomed appearance.
Crushed minerals are added to herbal decoctions, which are infused and filtered. The finished product is used for taking medicinal baths, compresses and face masks, as well as for rinsing hair.
It is not recommended to heat and boil water in which the devil's finger is located. It is added only to cooled liquid at room temperature.
Devil's finger powder is added not only to water and decoctions. Finished cosmetic products are enriched with it. We are talking about creams, essential oils, masks, shampoos and other products.
Other applications and cost of belemnite
For the first time, several centuries ago, when people discovered fossils, they were used as a tip for darts, spears and arrows.
Nowadays, devil's stones are used as a dietary supplement for livestock. Its powder is added to food. With regular consumption of this product, the immunity of pets improves, their muscles and bone tissue are strengthened, and productivity increases.
The mineral often becomes coveted by collectors of antiquities. In addition, jewelry and talismans in ethnic style are made from this material. Specimens in which the blood vessels of mollusks are preserved and visible are more valuable than others. The absence of chips and cracks also increases the cost of the stone. A large number of them are found in the mountainous regions of the Altai region. As for the cost, the price of the devil’s finger in online stores on the market starts from 50 rubles per unit or 700 rubles per kilo.
Devil's finger talismans according to zodiac sign
The magical properties of the stone are loyal to all representatives of the zodiac circle. Leo and Virgo feel the positive effects of belemnite energy more than others. The Slavs considered the devil's fingers to be fragments of the arrows of the thunder god Perun, so they associated this mineral with his element. It is believed that people born during the harvest period are more affected by the stone.
For Virgos and Leos, the amulet gives vigor, increases activity, and gives optimism. The talisman is not capable of harming its owner. At the same time, he acts selectively. Some will feel his help, while others will not discover his magic at all.
If you like the decoration of their damn finger, forget about superstitions and buy it without fear for your energy.
Caring for devil's finger jewelry
Jewelry with devil's fingers looks original and whimsical. Most often they work with them, maintaining the ethnic style of Bronze Age jewelry. The cost of belemnites is several orders of magnitude lower compared to precious and semi-precious stones. For one piece of jewelry in an online store you will pay from 500 to 800 rubles. But, like any mineral of natural origin, the product should be provided with care.
The structure of belemnite or devil's finger is very fragile. If a crack appears on its surface, have the jewelry polished. This will prevent further cracking. Do not wear the product if you are going to be physically active. Take it off before going to the beach or pool.
If the jewelry has lost its shine, wipe it with a soft natural cloth. Store the product in a box lined with velvet on the inside.
