CHAP. 36.—MOLOCHITIS.

Molochitis[1] is not transparent, being of a deeper green, and more opaque than smaragdus; its name is derived from the mallow,[2] which it resembles in colour. It is highly esteemed for making seals, and it is endowed by Nature with medicinal properties which render it a preservative for infants against certain dangers which menace them. This stone is a native of Arabia.[3]

1. Our Malachite, a green carbonate of copper. See B. xxxiii. c. 26.

2. Called molo/xh or mala/xh in Greek.

3. Also of Siberia, Shetland, the United States, and numerous other localities.