History
The Spirit Gem of Nephrus contained the spirit of the ancient Egyptian high priest known as Nephrus. Lost to the ages it was believed that an ancestor of Nephrus could utilize its power to gain immortality and the power of a god. In the modern age Museum of Metropolitan Art curator Gemal Hassan learned of his common ancestry with Nephrus. Stealing the Crown of Hathor from the museum he sent it to blind sculptress Alicia Masters as the legend called stated that the helmet along with a blind artists were the key to finding the gem. Enthralled into becoming the "Bride of Nephrus", Alicia Masters fled to Egypt with Hassan to recover the gem. When the Gem was located they were confronted by Alicia's boyfriend the Thing and Living Mummy, the ancient foe of Nephrus. Alicia was successful in locating the Spirit Gem and passing it to Gemal who was not only endowed with its great power, but also possessed him by the spirit of Nephrus. During the ensuing battle, the Thing's ally Lillian Templethorp was able to free Alicia from the control of Nephrus. Alicia then used the power of the Crown of Hathor to blast the Spirit Gem free from Nephrus/Gemal. When the Thing later crushed the Spirit Gem, it caused Gemal/Nephrus to crumble into dust. [1]