Homer. (Pope’s Translation.)
The Chrysolite obtains its name from the Greek CHRYSOS, gold, and LITHOS, a stone. This gem is of a light greeny-yellow; when deep olive green it is known as a Peridot, when yellowish-green as True Olivine. Among the ancients the Chrysolite was our topaz. Its name, literally “Golden Stone,” indicates the beautiful golden topaz so highly esteemed by gem-lovers, which, we are told, derives its name from that mysterious Island of the Mists which Pliny calls Topazion. Dr. G. F. Herbert Smith writes of the variety peridot as bearing the pretty name of “the evening emerald,” and the most charming specimens resemble the light green of the sea waters near the shore, illuminated by the setting sun. This gem appears to be the Amianthus of post-Biblical writers, known as “the gem of miracles,” which drove away the spirits and influences of evil, protected against obsession, dissolved enchantments, and the phantoms of the night, gladdened the heart with hope, strengthened the soul, inspired thought, banished illusion, despair, madness, aided the faculties of inspiration and prophecy.
In the History of Monsieur Oufle—quoted by Brand—it is advised: “To expel phantoms and rid people of folly, take the precious stone chrysolite, set it in gold, and let them wear it about ’em.” Francis Barrett says that it is good for the lungs and cures asthmatical complaints; also that when held under the tongue it cures fevers, aids prophecy, bestows eloquence and inspiration. The peridot was known as “the” precious stone, and was often valued more than the diamond.
The hardness of the chrysolite is from 6 to 7 on Mohs’ scale. It is under the zodiacal Pisces.
CHRYSOPRASE
The chrysoprase derives its name from the Greek CHRYSOS, golden, and PRASON, a leek. It is an apple-green chalcedony, the colour being caused by oxide of nickel. The chrysoprase was esteemed the perfect stone of dreams in ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome. It was believed that if one condemned for any offence whatever held a chrysoprase in his mouth he would escape punishment. It was a stone for the voyager on deep seas, a kindler of the imaginative faculties, a banisher of greed, selfishness and carelessness. It was the stone of happiness and enterprise, awakening slumbering faculties. It calmed irritability, the pains of gout, and, bound to the left arm, it prevented or cured the stone. It was the stone of prudence, adaptability and versatility, rousing to action, progress and adventure. To gaze into the chrysoprase was said to strengthen the eyes, especially when the Moon was passing through Taurus and Cancer. In many ways the chrysoprase was a religious symbol. In its Hebrew name of NOFEK it was the fourth stone of the Breastplate, and as the tenth jewel of the Rosicrucians it was the symbol of strength, moral and physical, and of invisible power. Swedenborg sees in it “the supreme heavenly love of truth,” and the Fathers see “triumph over sin.” Its symbology is reflected to the gateway through which the soul passed when entering the sphere of earth, and its dream influence was like an angel’s smile. Light in excess has an unfavourable effect on this stone, robbing it of its colour. Introduced into England in the reign of Ann, it was much loved by the Queen. It enjoyed great popularity during the times of the 3 Georges, and was a favorite gem of Queen Victoria.
The chrysoprase is under the zodiacal Cancer.
CINNAMON STONE. (See [ESSONITE].)
CITRINE
Citrine is a clear light yellow quartz crystal, obtaining its name from its citron tint. It is correctly called False Topaz, and incorrectly Brazilian Topaz. It presents no cleavage like the topaz. It is also known as Spanish topaz and Occidental topaz. The citrine was carried as a protective talisman against miasmatic exhalations, plague epidemics, eruptive diseases, evil thought forms, alcoholic and other forms of indulgence. It was also employed as a charm against the bites of snakes, venomous reptiles and insects, and against scandal, libel and treachery.