Did Joseph Smith Use a Glass-Looking Stone for Treasure Digging?

LDS Perspective

Yes, Joseph Smith did use a seer stone, sometimes referred to as a "glass-looking stone," for treasure digging before founding the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. During the early 19th century in America, there was a cultural belief among some groups that certain individuals could find lost objects or hidden treasure using special stones. Joseph Smith and his family were among those who accepted these beliefs, and Joseph occasionally used seer stones to help neighbors find missing objects or search for buried treasure. In 1826, Joseph was accused of using such a stone to locate treasures, leading to a legal hearing. Although accounts vary on the hearing's outcome, it is reported that Joseph testified he had largely abandoned the practice because it hurt his eyes, and he faced

Historical Perspective

Yes, Joseph Smith did use a glass-looking stone, often referred to as a "seer stone," during his early years of treasure digging before founding the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This activity is a well-documented aspect of his life prior to his religious activities and was prevalent in the early 19th century, especially in rural areas of upstate New York where Smith lived. The use of seer stones was a part of the folk magic practices of the time, which involved scrying or looking into a reflective object to locate buried treasures or otherwise gain supernatural knowledge (Source 1: Mormon Discussion Inc.). Joseph Smith's involvement in treasure digging is supported by historical records, including an 1826 legal proceeding where he was accused of being a "glass looker," a t