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MOLOCHITES.
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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.
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