45. Chap. 45.-Melichrysos. Xuthon.

CHAP. 45.—MELICHRYSOS. XUTHON.

To this class also belongs melichrysos,[1] a stone which has all the appearance of pure honey, seen through transparent gold. India produces these stones, and, although hard, they are very brittle, but not unpleasing to the sight. The same country, too, produces xuthon,[2] a stone much used by the lower classes there.

1. "Honey gold stone." Some are of opinion that this was the Honey- coloured Hyacinth. Others, again, identify it with the yellow, honey- coloured Topaz; an opinion with which Ajasson coincides.

2. "Xanthon" is another reading. See Chapter 60 of this Book.