“Lapis de Goa” or “Goa Stone”, became an object of awe, and wonder, almost bordering on reverence between the 16th and 18th century in Goa, then a Portuguese colony, as a sure-shot remedy and cure-all for a wide array of sicknesses and ailments
An artificial or faux gemstone with magical and healing properties, known as “Lapis de Goa” or “Goa Stone” served as a sure-shot remedy and cure-all for a wide array of sicknesses and ailments.
It became an object of awe, and wonder, almost bordering on reverence between the 16th and 18th century in India, more precisely in Goa, at that time a Portuguese colony. Because of its talismanic magic, it also came to be known as the ‘Miracle Stone’.
As word spread, its reputation went far beyond Goa and gained widespread popularity across Europe, England and America. Regarded as a valuable and potent asset, it commanded a high price and a much sought after symbol of wealth, and status among genteel folk in high society and the nobility.
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It was made by a Jesuit priest Gaspar Antonio, in a monastery in Goa, and its ingredients were narwhal tusk, gold, amethyst, ruby, emerald, coral and pearl
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This was a synthetic or artificial substitute for ‘Bezoars’, a natural and stony substance, the actual precursor of the ‘Goa Stone’, which was extracted from the stomach of goats
The word “bezoar” has its origins in the Middle East and comes either from the Persian word ““pahnzehr” or the Arabic word “badzehr”. Both words mean an antidote to poison.
This particular species of goats was found in the mountainous regions of the Caucasus and the Zagros, bordering western Iran. It was for this reason that these goats also came to be known as “Bezoar Ibex”
In olden times the absence of modern medicine, made “Bezoars” the only alternative and the next best remedy for any and everything more or less, from poisons, scorpion stings, snake venom to depression.
As early as the 10 century AD, practitioners of folk medicines had to resort to “Bezoars” in compounding various powders or mixtures dissolved in water or wine.
However, by the 15th century, the situation had begun to change. Extremely high demand for medicines from natural “Bezoars”, spiralling prices and the dwindling number of goats. created problems.
That’s what led to the “Made in India” version of “artificial Bezoars” that came to be known as the “Goa Stone”, since they were manufactured there.
Working in their Goan pharmacies, the Jesuits were more than convinced that their stones’ miraculous properties were as good as the original. Sniffing a pinch of “Goa Stone” dust was an effective cure for fevers and nose bleeding.
The word “bezoar” has its origins in the Middle East and comes either from the Persian word ““pahnzehr” or the Arabic word “badzehr”. Both words mean an antidote for poison.
This particular species of goats was found in the mountainous regions of the Caucasus and the Zagros, bordering western Iran. It was for this reason that these goats also came to be known as “Bezoar Ibex”
The success and efficacy of the “Goa Stone” was corroborated by a in an account written in the 17th century by a German-born botanist, Georg Eberhard Rumphius.
With the advent of modern medicine, the Goa stones gradually lost their medicinal value and appeal, with many ending up in museums and family collections across Europe and America.
Because of their high value and price, the Goa stones were deemed so valuable that they usually came with intricately crafted gold and silver cases featuring hand-cut piercings and filigree work, custom designed to be placed on stands or hung on chains. (EOM)
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