Chap. 49.] ASTEIOTES. 437 



monly found in these stones are, a want of brilliancy, a confusion 

 with colours which do not properly belong to them, and the 

 other imperfections which are found in stones in general.' 



CHAP. 47. ASTEEIA. 



]S"ext among the white stones is " asteria,"* a gem which 

 holds its high rank on account of a certain peculiarity in its 

 nature, it having a light enclosed within, in the pupil of an 

 eye as it were. This light, which has all the appearance of 

 moving within the stone, it transmits according to the angle of 

 inclination at which it is held; now in one direction, and 

 now in another. When held facing the sun, it emits white 

 rays like those of a star, and to this, in fact, it owes its name.^ 

 The stones of India are very difficult to engrave, those of Car- 

 mania being preferred. 



CHAP. 48. ASTRION. 



Of a similar white radiance is the stone that is known as 

 " astrion,"^ closely resembling crystal in its nature, and found 

 in India and upon the coasts of Pallene.^ In the centre of it 

 there shines internally a brilliant star, with a refulgence like 

 that of the moon when full. Some will have it that this stone 

 receives its name from the fact that, when held opposite to the 

 stars, it absorbs the light they emit and then returns it. The 

 finest stones, they say, are those of Carmania, there being 

 none more entirely free from all defects. They add, also, that 

 a stone of inferior quality is known as " ceraunia,*'® and that, 

 in the worst of all, the light is very similar to that given by a 

 lump. 



CHAP. 49. ASTRIOTES. 



Astriotes,^ too, is a stone that is highly esteemed, and Zoro- 

 aster, they say, has sung its wondrous praises as an adjunct of 

 the magic art. 



3 See Chapter 18 of this Book. 



* The vitreous Asteriated crystals of Sapphire are still called by this 

 name. Ajasson, however, and Desfontaines, identify this gem with Gir- 

 asol opal or fire opal. See Note 60. ^ From atrrtp, a star. 



^ *' Star-stone." Ajasson identifies this stone with the Asteriated Sap- 

 phire or Corundum, mentioned in Note 4 ahove. 



' See B. iv. cc. 10, 17. ^ " Lightning darting." 



^ " Star-like." Ajasson thinks, that it is identical with the stone next 

 mentioned. 



