34. Chap. 34.-Prasius; Three Varieties Of It.

CHAP. 34.—PRASIUS; THREE VARIETIES OF IT.

There are numerous other kinds also of green stones. To the more common class belongs prasius;[1] one variety of which is disfigured with spots[2] like blood, while another kind is marked with three streaks of white. To all these stones chrysoprasus[3] is preferred, which is also similar to the colouring matter of the leek, but varies in tint between topazos and gold. This stone is found of so large a size as to admit of drinking- boats[4] even being made of it, and is cut into cylinders very frequently.

1. The stone now known as "Prase" is a vitreous, leek-green, variety of massive quartz.

2. 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.

3. See the preceding Chapter, and Note 31.

4. "Cymbia." Drinking vessels shaped like a boat.