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-natural-history/page_338 - 2
 

Solis Gemma, Moon-stone

Solis Gemma, Moon-stone Page of 453 Sucoinum, Amber Text size:minus plus Restore normal size   Mail page  Print this page
SOLIS GEMMA.
329
the Chrysolite, and if it did not contain the hairs it would be a Chrysolite." Now the first of these is evidently the Venus-hair Crystal—a Crystal of Quartz of extreme brilliancy, full of long straight fibres of asbestos, like the finest hairs inclosed within its substance. This attribution is confirmed by an intaglio dis­covered by me amongst the Marlborough Gems—a figure of Sol engraved upon such a gem, marking it for his own peculiar property. The yellow variety it is more difficult to identify.
The modern Venus-hair Crystal is not however the Veneris Crinis of Pliny ; for that was extremely black and lustrous, con­taining in its substance the appearance of red hairs.
No wonder that so singular a phenomenon should have been regarded as the sign of wondrous inherent virtues. " Phoebus hath planted in both species a mighty spirit that gives glory and the heroic form to whosoever shall wear them with due understanding," adds Orpheus.
Solis Gemma, Moon-stone Page of 453 Sucoinum, Amber
Suggested Illustrations
Other Chapters you may find useful
Other Books on this topic
bullet Tag
This Page