CHAP. 39.—SAPPHIROS.
For sapphiros,[3159] too, is refulgent with spots[3160] like gold. It is also of an azure colour, though sometimes, but rarely, it is purple; the best kind being that which comes from Media. In no case, however, is this stone diaphanous; in addition to which, it is not suited for engraving when intersected with hard particles of a crystalline[3161] nature. Those among them that have the colour of cyanos are generally thought to be the male stones.