The Natural History of Pliny, Volume 6 (of 6)

Chapter 346: CHAP. 43.—CHRYSELECTRUM.

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About This Book

An encyclopedic survey that first catalogs marine animals, algae, and shellfish, describing habitats, curious behaviors, reported antipathies, and numerous folk remedies and practical uses attributed to specific species, organized by ailments and applications. The later portion treats metals and their ores—including gold, silver, mercury, copper, and brass—describing modes of occurrence, extraction, alloying, testing, gilding, and decorative and monetary uses, alongside technical observations and medicinal remedies derived from metallic substances, with systematic lists and practical instructions interwoven throughout.

CHAP. 43.—CHRYSELECTRUM.

Though it has now altogether gone out of use for jewellery, there is a precious stone known as “chryselectrum,”3177 the colour of which inclines to that of amber;3178 but only when viewed by a morning 3179 light. The stones of Pontus are known by their lightness. Some of them are hard and reddish, while others, again, are soft and of a soiled appearance. According to Bocchus, these stones are found in Spain as well; in a spot where, according to him, fossil crystal has been discovered, in sinking to the water-level for wells.3180 He tells us also that he once saw a chrysolithos twelve 3181 pounds in weight.