The Diamond

St Hildegarde poetically describes its formation: “The diamond forms on certain mountains in the southern part of the country which are almost viscous. It appears within this mass as if it were the almighty heart. And because it is solid and hard, it causes the surrounding mass to burst before it has even grown, and then it is dragged into the water like a top.” (Physica ch XVII)

Saint Hildegarde gives several pieces of advice on the use and virtues of the diamond, which is used, among other things, to ward off evil or lies from one’s own mouth. It is either to bring the diamond to your mouth or to make diamond water or diamond wine. For the first use, the rough stone or pendant may be suitable, for the second use it is better to use a rough stone.