CARNELIAN. 57 
some of the tin and copper mines of Cornwall. It 
occurs in several parts of Scotland ; and in many of the 
countries of the Continent. In the Leverian Museum 
there was a specimen of calcedony, which weighed 
more than 200 pounds. Its whole surface appeared such 
that, at first sight., one might imagine it to have formerly 
been in a liquid state : it had much the appearance 
that thick oil has while boiling. 
Few stones are susceptible of a higher or more 
beautiful polish than calcedony. Hence the different 
varieties of it are cut into ring and seal stones, neck- 
laces, ear-pendants, small vases, cups, and snuff-boxes. 
92. ONYX is a hind of calcedony, generally marked alter* 
nately zoith stripes of white and blacky or white and brown. 
Its name is derived from the Greek language, and 
has been given on account of its resemblance in co- 
lour to the whitish band at the base of the human 
nail. The distinction which appears to be made 
betwixt onyx and sardonyx^ arises from the colours of 
the former being arranged either concentrically, or in a 
somewhat confused manner, and those of the latter in 
regular stripes or bands. 
Both these kinds are highly esteemed by lapidaries, 
for the formation of vases, snuff boxes, and trinkets 
of various kinds. Of sardonyx the ancients made 
those beautiful cameos, many of which still ornament 
our cabinets. The ingenuity they have shown, in the 
accommodation of the natural veins and marks of the 
stone to the figures engraven upon them, is such as to 
excite, in many instances, the greatest admiration. 
It is said that we are entirely ignorant of the country 
whence the ancient artists obtained the large specimens 
of sardonyx which are now found in some cabinets. 
Onyx is imported from the East Indies, Siberia, 
Germany, and Portugal. 
93. CARNELIAN is another kind of calcedony usually 
of a red or flesh colour, though sometimes white, orange, or 
yellow. 
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