[2503] The modern Ophite, both Noble, Serpentine, and Common.
[2504] From the Greek ὄφις, a “serpent.”
[2505] This would appear to be a kind of Apatite, or Augustite, found in crystalline rocks.
[2506] A superstition, owing solely to the name and appearance of the stone.
[2507] From the Greek τέφρα, “ashes.” The modern Tephroite is a silicate of manganese.
[2508] Memphis, in Egypt.
[2509] A variety of the modern Porphyry, possibly; a compact feldspathic base, with crystals of feldspar. Ajasson refuses to identify it with porphyry, and considers it to be the stone called Red antique, of a deep uniform red, and of a very fine grain; which also was a production of Egypt.
[2510] “Small stone.”
[2511] Of porphyrites.
[2512] “Procurator.”