[3161] Quartz, probably, according to some authorities.
[3162] So called, according to some authorities, from ἀ, “not,” μεθύω, “to intoxicate,” on account of its being a supposed preservative against inebriety. Ajasson is of opinion that Pliny does not here speaks of the Quartz Amethyst of modern mineralogy, but only the Oriental Amethyst, violet Sapphire, or violet Corundum. It is not improbable, however, that he includes them all, as well as violet Fluor spar, and some other purple stones; inclusive, possibly, of the Garnet.
[3163] He is probably speaking here of violet Fluor spar; Oriental amethyst, or violet sapphire, it is next to impossible to engrave.
[3164] See B. ix. c. 62.
[3165] The city of Pharan, mentioned by St. Jerome and Eusebius.
[3166] “In suspectu.” See B. xxi. c. 22.
[3167] “Lovely youth.” The Opal has been thus called in Chapter [22].
[3168] “Avenger of slighted love.”
[3169] “Veneris gena;” called in Greek “Aphrodites blepharon.”
[3170] Which is most probable; however untrue the story itself may be. See Note [3162] above.