DISTHENE. (See [KYANITE].)
EMERALD. (See [BERYL].)
ENSTATITE. Named from the Greek ENSTATES, an opponent, because of its infusibility before the blow-pipe and its resisting power against acids. It occurs in various colours—grey, brown, yellow, colourless, and chiefly green; hence it has been erroneously called the Green Garnet. The Enstatite is a silicate of magnesium, and is scarcely as hard as the opal, yet it is found with the diamond, hardest of stones. It is esteemed as a talisman in examinations, arguments, debates and all contests in which the mind is employed. The Enstatite is under the celestial Gemini.
EPIDOTE. This stone is named from the Greek EPIDOSIS, increase. It was first used by Hauy (“Mineralogie,” 1801), as “lit qui a recu un accroissement,” but—writes Dr. Smith—“not on very precise crystallographical grounds.” There are several varieties, chief among which is the Pistacite, or true Epidote, of a yellow-green colour like the nut of the Pistachio. The epidote is nearly as hard as the garnet. According to ancient philosophy it may be used as a charm for fruit and cereal growers. The epidote is under the celestial Taurus.
ESSONITE. From the Greek ESSON; also, known as Hessonite and more familiarly amongst jewellers as Cinnamon Stone. It is a garnet of the Lime Alumina order, of a reddish brown or cinnamon colour, and granular structure. This stone is often confounded with the Hyacinth and other varieties of the Zircon with which it is found. It is regarded amongst ancient philosophers as a protective talisman for virgins born between August 24th and September 23rd. The Essonite is a gem under the celestial Virgo.
EUCLASE. The name is derived from the Greek EU KLASIS, easily fractured. It is a silicate of aluminium and beryllium and is related to the emerald. Westropp says: “The euclase is of the same chemical composition as the emerald.” (“Manual of Precious Stones.”) It is a very rare and expensive mineral, glassy and extremely brittle. The euclase closely resembles the aquamarine in its varying shades of pale blue and pale green. Sometimes it is found quite colourless. It is frequently found with topaz, and is of the hardness of the beryl. As a love talisman it is advised that it be worn in the rough. The euclase is under the celestial Taurus.
“So stubborn flints their inward heart conceal
Till art and force th’ unwilling sparks reveal.”
Congreve to Dryden.