一切經音義 2.54

2.54

Corals and cowries (珂貝: [珂 is] *k'ā* + *hâ* = *k'â* [ke-he]. It is a kind of mineral stone, secondary to jade. The Picang says: '珂 is agate.' Some say it is pure white like snow, hence used to ornament a horse's reins. As for 貝, they are spiraled shells, also called 'cowrie-tooth pearls'. Here it is taken as a metaphor for whiteness).