Charmstones

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These natural concretions called 'fairy stones' were used as charms. They are from Fairy Dean, near Melrose in Roxburghshire.

Curiously shaped but naturally occurring stones were collected and used as 'counter-charms' against supernatural and malign influences.

The stones were given to the Museum by Dr John Alexander Smith in 1857.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-103-766-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.NO 13
• Date: Possibly 17th - 18th century
  Possibly 17th or 18th century
  
• Material: Stone
  Charmstone
  
• Dimensions:
• What: Charmstone
  
• Subject: Jewellery: charms, amulets (NMAS Classification)
  
• Who: Dr John Alexander
  
• Where: Scotland, Roxburghshire, Melrose, Fairy Dean
  
• Event:
• Description: Collection of natural concretions called "fairy stones" from Fairy Dean, near Melrose, Roxburghshire, possibly 17th or 18th century
  
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