CHAP. 43.—CHRYSELECTRUM.
Though it has now altogether gone out of use for jewellery, there is a precious stone known as “chryselectrum,”[3177] the colour of which inclines to that of amber;[3178] but only when viewed by a morning[3179] light. The stones of Pontus are known by their lightness. Some of them are hard and reddish, while others, again, are soft and of a soiled appearance. According to Bocchus, these stones are found in Spain as well; in a spot where, according to him, fossil crystal has been discovered, in sinking to the water-level for wells.[3180] He tells us also that he once saw a chrysolithos twelve[3181] pounds in weight.