Chapter 40: of this Book (3)

[3076] Literally meaning a “red-hot coal.” The carbunculus of Pliny is supposed to include not only the red, or Iron and Iron-lime garnet, but the Spinelle ruby also, or Oriental ruby.

[3077] There is some truth in this, as some few kinds both of the Garnet and Ruby are infusible. Of the ruby, the red varieties change to brown, black, and opaque even, as the temperature increases, and on cooling become first green, and then nearly colourless, but at last resume their red colour.

[3078] From the Greek; meaning “incombustible.”

[3079] From Καρχήδων, the Greek name for Carthage.

[3080] Carthago Magna, so called in contradistinction to Carthage Nova, or New Carthage, in Spain.

[3081] See B. v. c. 29.

[3082] In the vicinity of Orthosia. It is from this place that one kind of garnet is now called “Almandine.” There is also the Almandine, or violet-coloured ruby. Sec Beckmann, Hist. Inv. Vol. II. p. 238. _Bohn’s Edition._ It is probable that Carthage was the great entrepôt for the carbunculi of the Garamantes and Æthiopia, where Red sapphire, Red corundum, or Oriental ruby, was probably found.

[3083] A variety, perhaps, of Iron garnet, or Iron-lime garnet.

[3084] Desfontaines suggests that this may have been the Balas ruby, or possibly the Syrian Garnet, of a violet purple colour. Not improbably it is the Almandine ruby.

[3085] “Pinnato fulgore.” This mottled appearance is to be seen in the interior of some red garnets.

[3086] Common garnets, probably.

[3087] Sillig suggests that this may be from λιγνὺς, “soot.” The reading, however, is extremely doubtful.

[3088] See Introduction to Vol. III. If this is the truth, they were made of some of the crystals of the garnet, probably.

[3089] De Lapid. see 61.

[3090] “Pliny has here committed a gross mistake, which has not been observed by Hardouin. Theophrastus, in the passage alluded to, does not speak of a ruby, but the well-known black marble of Chio; though he calls both _carbunculus_, a name given to the ruby, on account of its likeness to a burning coal, and to the black marble on account of its resemblance to a quenched coal or cinder; and the latter, as well as the Obsidian stone, was sometimes used for mirrors.”—Beckmann, Hist. Inv. Vol. II. pp. 67, 68. _Bohn’s Edition._

[3091] “Illos.” He should have said “hos”—“the latter.”

[3092] See B. iv. c. 35; the present Lisbon.

[3093] Dalechamps thinks that this is the same as the “anthracites” mentioned in B. xxxvi. c. 38, and identifies it either with our Anthracite, or else with pit-coal or bituminous coal. It is much more likely, however, that a precious stone is meant; and, in conformity with this opinion, Brotero and Ajasson have identified it with the Spinelle or scarlet Ruby, and the Balas or rose-red ruby, magnesiates of alumina.

[3094] Sec B. iv. c. 1.

[3095] “Carbo.” This word may mean either a “burning coal” or “charcoal” hence the confusion that has arisen in identifying the mineral substance that is meant.

[3096] See Note 3077, to Chapter 25.

[3097] “Sandaresus” and “Sandasiros” are other readings. This stone has not been identified, but Ajasson is inclined to think that it may have been Aventurine quartz, and is the more inclined to this opinion, as that mineral is found in Persia, and _sandastra_ or _tchandastra_ is purely a Sanscrit word. The description, however, would hardly seem to apply to Aventurine.

[3098] Littré suggests that the reading here probably might be “ob id _non_ magno”—“sell _not_ so dear.”

[3099] It has not been identified.

[3100] From λυχνὸς, a “lighted lamp” or “torch.” Brotero is of opinion that this is the Cherry-coloured ruby, that the Ionian stone is the Purple ruby, and that the kermes-berry coloured stone is the Scarlet or Spinelle ruby. From the distinct reference made to its electric nature, Ajasson identifies it with Tourmaline, a Silicate of alumina. Beckmann is of the same opinion; Hist. Inv. Vol. I. p. 88. _Bohn’s Edition._

[3101] “Remissiorem.”

[3102] See B. xxi. cc. 33, 39, where the “Flos Jovis” is mentioned in juxtaposition with the flower called “lychnis,” either the Umbel’d Campion rose, or the Common red rose Campion.

[3103] “Coccum.” “Kermes-berry coloured.” These kinds probably were, Indicolite or Blue tourmaline, and Rubellite or Red tourmaline.

[3104] As Beckmann remarks, he should have said that it first attracts, and then repels them; such being the case with Tourmaline.

[3105] Not identical, most probably, with the Carchedonian or Carthaginian stone mentioned in Chapter 25, which was probably a garnet or a ruby. Ajasson has no doubt that it is identical with jasper quartz, including the varieties called Striped or Riband jasper, and Egyptian jasper.

[3106] See B. v. c. 5, and B. vii. c. 2.

[3107] Tourmaline, probably, in combination with other mineral substances.

[3108] Carnelian, a variety of Chalcedony. It is originally grey, or greyish red, which afterwards turns to a rich, deep, red, on exposure to the sun’s rays, and subsequently to artificial heat.

[3109] Which supplies the best carnelians at the present day.

[3110] From their mixture, Ajasson says, with argillaceous earth.

[3111] Under this name Pliny evidently speaks of the stone known to us as Chrysolite, and possibly of green agate as well. Our Topaz cannot be easily recognized in this Chapter, at all events.

[3112] See B. vi. c. 34.

[3113] See B. vi. c. 34.

[3114] Τοπάζω in Greek, signifies “to conjecture.”

[3115] It was agate, most probably.

[3116] “Leek-green.” Ajasson and Desfontaines think that this must have been either Oriental Chrysolite or Oriental Peridote.

[3117] Some would identify this with Oriental topaz or yellow corundum, a variety of the Sapphire; while others would see in it the genuine Topaz; and others, again, think it synonymous with the Chrysoprase. The name “chrysopteron” means “golden-wing.”

[3118] “Leek-green and gold.” An apple or leek-green Chalcedony, coloured by nickel. See Chapters 20, 34, and 73, of this Book.

[3119] See B. xxxvi. c. 10.

[3120] Dana thinks this identical with the Turquois. Ajasson and Desfontaines identify it with Oriental Peridote.

[3121] Turquois is found in large quantities in a mountainous district of Persia, not far from Nichabour; where it occurs in veins which traverse the mountains in all directions.

[3122] Isidorus says, B. xvi. c. 17, that they wore it in the ears. The Shah of Persia, it is said, retains for his own use all the larger and more finely tinted specimens of turquois that are found in his dominions.

[3123] This story is now regarded as fabulous.

[3124] See B. x. cc. 44, 79.

[3125] The stone now known as “Prase” is a vitreous, leek-green, variety of massive quartz.

[3126] This may possibly have been Plasma, a faintly translucent Chalcedony, approaching jasper, having a greenish colour, sprinkled with yellow and whitish dots, and a glistening lustre. Or, perhaps, Bloodstone or Heliotrope, a kind of jasper.

[3127] See the preceding Chapter, and Note 3118.

[3128] “Cymbia.” Drinking vessels shaped like a boat.

[3129] Or “Nile-stone.” Egyptian jasper, or Egyptian pebble, a kind of quartz.

[3130] Our Malachite, a green carbonate of copper. See B. xxxiii. c. 26.

[3131] Called μολόχη or μαλάχη in Greek.

[3132] Also of Siberia, Shetland, the United States, and numerous other localities.

[3133] Meadow-green jasper.

[3134] Salmasius erroneously takes this to be the Turquoise. It is our sky-blue jasper, no doubt. See Beckmann, Hist. Inv. Vol. I. p. 471, _Bohn’s Edition_.

[3135] See B. vi. c. 2.

[3136] The Bamberg MS. gives “Calchedon” here.

[3137] Namely, πορφυρίζουσα, ῥοδίζουσα, and σμαραγδίζουσα.

[3138] “Northern,” apparently.

[3139] “Sky-blue,” mentioned above.

[3140] See Chapter 31. Red jasper, or perhaps Red porphyry.

[3141] “Aut” appeals to be a preferable reading to the “ut” of the Bamberg MS.

[3142] See B. xv. cc. 12, 13.

[3143] “Terebinthizusa.” Yellow jasper, Ajasson says.

[3144] See Chapter 18 of this Book.

[3145] “Seal-stone.” A kind of carnelian, probably.

[3146] “Publico gemmarum dominio iis tantum dato, quoniam optime signent.” The above is the sense given to the passage by Holland, Ajasson, and Littré; but another translation may also be suggested—“A stone to which alone, by general consent, is awarded the custody of precious stones, from the fact that it makes the best impression as a seal.” In reference to the custom of putting a seal on the dactyliothecæ, or jewel-caskets. See page 80 of this Book.

[3147] “Single-lined.”

[3148] “Many-lined.”

[3149] Albertus Magnus, De Mineral. B. ii., has several other stories respecting it of a similar nature.

[3150] Jasper onyx.

[3151] Identified by Ajasson with snow-flake chalcedony.

[3152] Spotted jasper onyx.

[3153] See B. xxxi. c. 41.

[3154] Smoked jasper onyx.

[3155] It is still used for making vases, boxes, knife-handles, and other articles, and is much used in the manufacture of Florentine mosaics. We may also remark, that the “iaspis” of Pliny probably included some stones not of the jasper kind.

[3156] “Azure stone;” generally supposed to have been a species of Lapis lazuli or azure. Beckmann is of opinion that it was a mineral or mountain blue, tinged with copper.

[3157] It is found in China, Persia, Siberia, and Bucharia.

[3158] Ultramarine is prepared from Lapis lazuli, and an artificial kind is extensively in use, which equals the native in permanency and brilliancy of colour, and is very extensively employed in the arts. Theophrastus, De Lapid. sec. 55, speaks of this artificial ultramarine.

[3159] This must not be taken for the Sapphire of the present day, but was most probably Lapis lazuli, and identical, perhaps, with Cyanos. Beckmann has devoted considerable attention to this subject; Hist. Inv. Vol. I. pp. 468-473. _Bohn’s Edition._

[3160] Particles of iron pyrites, probably, which are frequently to be seen in Lapis lazuli.

[3161] Quartz, probably, according to some authorities.

[3162] So called, according to some authorities, from ἀ, “not,” μεθύω, “to intoxicate,” on account of its being a supposed preservative against inebriety. Ajasson is of opinion that Pliny does not here speaks of the Quartz Amethyst of modern mineralogy, but only the Oriental Amethyst, violet Sapphire, or violet Corundum. It is not improbable, however, that he includes them all, as well as violet Fluor spar, and some other purple stones; inclusive, possibly, of the Garnet.

[3163] He is probably speaking _here_ of violet Fluor spar; Oriental amethyst, or violet sapphire, it is next to impossible to engrave.

[3164] See B. ix. c. 62.

[3165] The city of Pharan, mentioned by St. Jerome and Eusebius.

[3166] “In suspectu.” See B. xxi. c. 22.

[3167] “Lovely youth.” The Opal has been thus called in Chapter 22.

[3168] “Avenger of slighted love.”

[3169] “Veneris gena;” called in Greek “Aphrodites blepharon.”

[3170] Which is most probable; however untrue the story itself may be. See Note 3162 above.

[3171] A kind of Baboon. See B. vi. c. 35, B. vii. c. 2, and B. viii. c. 80.

[3172] It is considered very doubtful whether the modern Hyacinth or Zircon is one of the number of stones that were called “Hyacinthus” by the ancients. Jameson appears to have thought that they gave this name to the oriental amethyst or violet sapphire.

[3173] See B. xxi. c. 38.

[3174] Generally supposed to be the Oriental topaz, yellow Sapphire or yellow Corundum. We have already seen, in Chapter 32, that the “Topazos” of the ancients was in all probability the modern Chrysolite.

[3175] In Pontus: see B. vi. c. 4.

[3176] See B. xxxiv. c. 2.

[3177] Supposed to be yellow-white Hyacinth. See Chapter 12 of this Book.

[3178] “Electrum.”

[3179] See Chapter 76 of this Book.

[3180] See Chapter 9 of this Book.

[3181] Yellow quartz crystal probably, or False topaz.

[3182] “White gold stone.” It has not been identified.

[3183] “Smoke-stone.” A jasper has been so called in Chapter 37.

[3184] “Honey gold stone.” Some are of opinion that this was the Honey-coloured Hyacinth. Others, again, identify it with the yellow, honey-coloured Topaz; an opinion with which Ajasson coincides.

[3185] “Xanthon” is another reading. See Chapter 60 of this Book.

[3186] “Lovely youth.” See Chapter 22, where it has been already mentioned. He here reverts to the Opals.

[3187] See Chapter 40, for example, where it is given to a variety of the Amethyst.

[3188] The Opal, which he is about to describe.

[3189] See Chapter 18 of this Book.

[3190] The vitreous Asteriated crystals of Sapphire are still called by this name. Ajasson, however, and Desfontaines, identify this gem with Girasol opal or fire opal. See Note 3147.

[3191] From ἀστερ, a star.

[3192] “Star-stone.” Ajasson identifies this stone with the Asteriated Sapphire or Corundum, mentioned in Note 3190 above.

[3193] See B. iv. cc. 10, 17.

[3194] “Lightning darting.”

[3195] “Star-like.” Ajasson thinks, that it is identical with the stone next mentioned.

[3196] “Planet-stricken.” It is not improbable that this was Cat’s-eye, a translucent Chalcedony, presenting a peculiar opalescence, or internal reflections, when cut _en cabochon_. The colour is either bright-greenish grey, or else yellow, red, or brownish.

[3197] See Note 3194 above. Parisot thinks that these must have been Aërolites or Meteorites.

[3198] Brotero thinks that these were petrified shells, to which the magicians imputed marvellous properties.

[3199] Brotero is of opinion that those were Belemnites, more commonly known as “thunderstones.” The reading “bætyli” is doubtful; but Parisot says, on what authority does not appear, that “Betylus” meant “Great father,” and that this name, as well as “Abaddir” of similar signification, was given by magicians to aërolites or meteorites used in their enchantments.

[3200] A meteoric stone or aërolite, evidently.

[3201] “Rainbow.” Opinion seems divided as to whether this is Hyalin quartz iridized internally, or prismatic crystals of Limpid quartz, which decompose the rays of the sun.

[3202] The reading and meaning of this passage are very doubtful.

[3203] The reading is doubtful, “zeros” and “erros” being given by some MSS. Ajasson hazards a conjecture that it may have been a variety of quartz, formed of a concretion of agates united by a cement of a similar nature.

[3204] A general name for Agate, and possibly some other stones not now included under the name.

[3205] “Jasper agate.”

[3206] “Wax agate.” The modern Orange agate, probably.

[3207] “Smaragdus agate.” Emerald-coloured agate.

[3208] “Blood agate.” Agate sprinkled with spots of red jasper.

[3209] “White agate.”

[3210] “Tree agate.” Moss agate or Mocha stone, coloured by oxide of iron.

[3211] Probably the reading should be “Stactachates,” “Myrrh agate.”

[3212] “Coralline agate.” See Chapter 56.

[3213] Undulated agate.

[3214] Moss agate, probably. See Note 3210 above.

[3215] Sillig is of opinion that the reading here is corrupt.

[3216] “Coticulas.” Stones for grinding drugs.

[3217] “Refreshing” stone. Hardly any of these stones appear to be identified.

[3218] As to the “nitrum” of Pliny, see B. xxxi. c. 46.

[3219] Probably the same as the Alabastrites of B. xxxv. c. 12.

[3220] From the Greek, ἀλέκτωρ, a “cock.”

[3221] See B. vii. c. 19.

[3222] “Man-subduing.” Identified by some with Marcasite, or White iron pyrites.

[3223] See Chapter 15 of this Book.

[3224] “Silver-subduing.”

[3225] “Counteracting-stone.”

[3226] Probably the stone mentioned in B. xxxvi. c. 41.

[3227] “Aromatic stone.” Cæsalpinus is of opinion that this is grey or clouded amber.

[3228] “Reginis.”

[3229] See B. xix. c. 4, and B. xxxvi. c. 31.

[3230] The reading is doubtful.

[3231] Called “melancoryphi” in Chapter 33.

[3232] Ajasson thinks that the reading should be “Aeizoe,” from the Greek ἀειζώη, “long lived.”

[3233] “Shining stone,” apparently.

[3234] See Chapter 33 of this Book.

[3235] The reading is doubtful.

[3236] See B. xxxiii. c. 2: where a fossil Chrysocolla is also mentioned.

[3237] See B. xi. c. 36, and B. xxxiii. c. 21.

[3238] “Gem of Aphrodite” or “Venus.” Thought by Dalechamps and Hardouin to have been a kind of agate.

[3239] “Which never grows cold.”

[3240] A kind of Onyx, Dalechamps thinks.

[3241] “Acorn stone.” Like an olive in appearance, and now known as “Jew stone,” probably, a fossil.

[3242] “Frog-stone.” Varieties of quartz, probably.

[3243] “Dipped stone.” Dalechamps says that it was amber stained with alkanet, but on what authority does not appear.

[3244] “Eye of Belus.” Supposed by Ajasson and Desfontaines to be Cat’s eye Chalcedony. See Chapter 50, Note 3196.

[3245] Belus, the father of Ninus, the “Bel” of Scripture. See Chapter 58.

[3246] A kind of Tecolithos, Dalechamps says. See B. xxxvi. c. 35, and