There is a widespread belief that gem stones possess wondrous powers, and no health store is complete without its selection of healing stones. What is the Torah view on this?

In this week's Parsha, the Torah describes the Kohen Gadol's (High Priest's) breastplate, which had twelve gem stones set into it (see Ch.28/15-21). On each stone was inscribed one of the names of the twelve tribes of Israel. Over eight hundred years ago, Rabbeinu Bechaya wrote that each stone had a deep connection to the tribe written on it, not only through its colour but also through its wondrous properties. For example, the first stone mentioned is called odem, which had Reuven's name on it. Odem is identified as the ruby (odem is related to the Hebrew word adom, which means red). Rabbeinu Bechaya writes that the special powers of the ruby relate to childbirth; from aiding conception to easing delivery. This is very much connected to the story of Reuven, one who brought mandrakes for his mother to help her conceive (see Bereshis 30/14).

Rabbeinu Bechaya makes an important stipulation, however. The powers latent in the gems are G-d-given, he says, and one has to have reached a certain level of purity to be able to make use of them.