Quantcast
  We apologize for any slow response. This will be fixed before October 31st Portal logo
Login/Register
Bactrian Gold Treasure from Afghanistan, coming soon....
/gemstones/king-gems-decorative-stones/page_186 - 2
 

Molochites, Malachite

Molochites, Malachite Page of 384 Molochites, Malachite Text size:minus plus Restore normal size   Mail page  Print this page
MOLOCHITES.
177
the famous Cleopatra (Marlborough).* The reason why this modification of the " Jaspis" is not classed under that head, but described by Pliny as a distinct mineral, is because a certain degree of translucency was essential to the ancient idea of that species universally. Its Arabian origin also favours this attribution ; at present that peculiar variety is found in India alone.
The same inference may be drawn from the strangely-confused notice in Epiphanius (under ' Sard ') : " There is also another sort, the Sardonyx, which is called Molochas, and has the property of dispersing steatomatous tumours. It has the same appearance as the first (the Sard), but is somewhat greenish or yellowish (íðï-÷ëßûñßæùí)"
The cause of the ancient name for this very dissimilar stone being applied to our Malachite, lies apparently in Pliny's allusion to the general use of the former as an amulet. Now the Malachite in the Middle Ages enjoyed a mighty reputation for its virtues in this respect, probably suggested by the mysterious figures and natural hierogly­phics to bo traced by a fanciful eye upon its variegated surface. De Boot says that it was even then worn in' bracelets as a preservative of the health, " being believed to possess the greatest virtues ; protecting the wearer against lightning, perturbation of spirits, contagion, and witchcraft ; for which latter reason it is hung round chil­dren's necks. The superstitious, and magicians who think themselves the only wise people, engrave upon it the figure of the sun, and thus believe themselves secure against
* In fact there is no necessity for restricting the name to this rare species, the common dark-green Jasper of one uniform shade, perhaps approaches yet closer in tint to the marsh-mallow leaf, of a blackish, sombre, peculiar green : and its almost specific employment for making talismans and amulets has already been pointed out.
(g)                                                                       s
Molochites, Malachite Page of 384 Molochites, Malachite
Suggested Illustrations
Other Chapters you may find useful
Other Books on this topic
bullet Tag
This Page