Quantcast
  Due to a new server, slow response may occur for which we apologize Portal logo
Login/Register
Bactrian Gold Treasure from Afghanistan, coming soon....
/gemstones/king-gems-decorative-stones/page_066 - 2
 

Callais, Turquois

Beryllus, Beryl Page of 384 Callais, Turquois Text size:minus plus Restore normal size   Mail page  Print this page
CALLAIS AND CALLAINA.                        57
Owing to a corrupt reading in the old editions of Pliny (xxxvii. 33) of " Callais" for " Callaina," the former name is now universally supposed to have anciently designated our Turquois. This identification, however, seems to me fer from being borne out by Pliny's description of the most striking characters of the stone in question. " Next to the Topazios (Peridot) in appearance, though not in value, eomes the Callaina, of a pale yellow mixed with green.* Its native country is the region to the north (post aversa) of India, amongst the tribes of Mount Caucasus, the Phy-cari, Dahae, and Sacae (Little Bokhara). It is of extra­ordinary magnitude for a precious stone, but full of flaws (fistulosa) and of dross. A clearer and better kind is the one obtained from Carmania. In both countries it is found adhering to the surfaces of the rocks, and protuberant therefrom, after the' manner of an eye. These rocks being inaccessible, the natives knock down the gem, with all the moss that surrounds it, by means of bullets thrown from
Beryllus, Beryl Page of 384 Callais, Turquois
Suggested Illustrations
Other Chapters you may find useful
Other Books on this topic
bullet Tag
This Page