39. Chap. 39.-Sapphiros.

CHAP. 39.—SAPPHIROS.

For sapphiros,[1] too, is refulgent with spots[2] like gold. It is also of an azure colour, though sometimes, but rarely, it is purple; the best kind being that which comes from Media. In no case, however, is this stone diaphanous; in addition to which, it is not suited for engraving when intersected with hard particles of a crystalline[3] nature. Those among them that have the colour of cyanos are generally thought to be the male stones.

1. 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.

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

3. Quartz, probably, according to some authorities.