In India it is held that one can staunch the bleeding by placing upon wounds and injuries after dipping it in cold water, which may have a scientific basis in the fact that iron oxide, contained in the stone, is an effective astringent. The Gnostics wore the stone as an amulet for longevity, for wealth and courage, to strengthen the stomach, and to dispel melancholy.
In India, it is believed that one can stop bleeding by applying cold water to wounds and injuries after dipping them in it. This practice may have a scientific basis because iron oxide, found in the stone, acts as an astringent. The Gnostics wore the stone as an amulet for longevity, wealth, courage, stomach strength, and to dispel melancholy.