38. Chap. 38.-Cyanos; The Several Varieties Of It.

CHAP. 38.—CYANOS; THE SEVERAL VARIETIES OF IT.

We must also give a separate account of cyanos,[1] a name which, until very recently, was given to a species of iaspis, on account of its cærulean colour. The best kind is that of Scythia,[2] the next best being the produce of Cyprus, and, last of all, that of Egypt. An artificial[3] kind is much in use, that is prepared by dyeing other substances; and this invention is looked upon as one of the great glories of the kings of Egypt, the name of the king who first discovered it being still preserved in their annals. This stone, too, is divided into male and female, and sometimes it has the appearance of being powdered with a golden dust, in much the same way as sapphiros.

1. "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.

2. It is found in China, Persia, Siberia, and Bucharia.

3. 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.