[3111] Under this name Pliny evidently speaks of the stone known to us as Chrysolite, and possibly of green agate as well. Our Topaz cannot be easily recognized in this Chapter, at all events.
[3112] See B. vi. c. 34.
[3113] See B. vi. c. 34.
[3114] Τοπάζω in Greek, signifies “to conjecture.”
[3115] It was agate, most probably.
[3116] “Leek-green.” Ajasson and Desfontaines think that this must have been either Oriental Chrysolite or Oriental Peridote.
[3117] Some would identify this with Oriental topaz or yellow corundum, a variety of the Sapphire; while others would see in it the genuine Topaz; and others, again, think it synonymous with the Chrysoprase. The name “chrysopteron” means “golden-wing.”
[3118] “Leek-green and gold.” An apple or leek-green Chalcedony, coloured by nickel. See Chapters [20], [34], and [73], of this Book.
[3120] Dana thinks this identical with the Turquois. Ajasson and Desfontaines identify it with Oriental Peridote.