Naturalis historia 37.103

37.103

Ex eodem genere ardentium est lychnis appellata a lucernarum adsensu, tum praecipuae gratiae. nascitur circa Orthosiam totaque Caria ac vicinis locis, sed probatissima in Indis. quidam remissiorem carbunculum esse dixerunt, secundam bonitate quae similis esset Iovis appellatis floribus. et alias invenio differentias: unam quae purpuram radiet, alteram quae coccum; has sole excalfactas aut attritu digitorum paleas et chartarum fila ad se rapere.

CHAP. 29.—LYCHNIS: FOUR VARIETIES OF IT. To the same class of flame-coloured stones belongs that known as "lychnis;" so called from its lustre being height- ened by the light of the lamp, under which circumstances its tints are particularly pleasing. It is found in the vicinity of Orthosia, throughout the whole of Caria, and in the neighbouring localities; but the most approved stones are those that come from India. Some writers have given the name of "deadened" carbunculus to a lychnis of second-rate quality, and similar in colour to the flower known as the "flower of Jove." I find other varieties also mentioned, one with a purple radiance, and another of a scarlet tint. It is asserted, too, that these stones, when heated or rubbed between the fingers, will attract chaff and filaments of paper.