B

The Balas ruby original: "Balagius," also called "palacius" is a gemstone of a red color, of very bright material and a very transparent substance. It is called the "female" of the carbuncle In medieval lapidaries, "female" stones were those with paler colors or weaker properties compared to the "male" stones, having a faint color and its virtues diminished, just as the female relates to the male. Some say that it is the "house" or "palace" of the carbuncle, and thus it is called the palace of the carbuncle. For the carbuncle is frequently generated in that place. It has been seen in our own time that in one single stone, the outer part was a balas ruby and the interior was a carbuncle. Because of this, Aristotle says this stone belongs to the genus of the carbuncle.

Bezoar or Toadstone

Some also say that the stone called bezoar original: "bozar" is named after a certain toad original: "bufone" because it carries the stone in its head. There are two kinds: one is white and somewhat dusky, the other is black. If it is extracted while the toad is still quivering with wine A folk belief that toads would "spit out" their stones if placed on red cloth or stimulated with wine, it has a blue-colored "eye" in its center. They say that if swallowed, it purges the filth and superfluities of the intestines. In our times, a small green stone was extracted from a toad. We have also seen some toads that had these stones depicted [on their skin] which were said to be of this kind. Commonly, these stones are called toadstones original: "crapodine".

Beryl

¶ The beryl original: "Berillus" is a stone of a pale, bright, and transparent color. Therefore, as we said above, when it is turned, the water inside it seems to move. It is mostly generated in India, like many other gemstones. There are many kinds and varieties within this species of stone, but the best is said to be the one that is palest and has many "drops" which seem to remain within it.

Virtues of the beryl.

It is said to work against the dangers of enemies and against disputes, making the wearer invincible. It is also said to make one mild in character and to grant a good intellect. Some physicians also say that it is effective against laziness and pains of the liver, and against sighing and belching, and that it helps watery eyes. It has been proven by experience that when it is rounded and held against the "eye of the sun" the sun's rays, it scorches and kindles fire referring to the use of beryl as a magnifying or burning lens. Goldsmiths also say that it reconciles the bond between husband and wife.

¶ The third chapter concerning stones beginning with the letter C.

Carbuncle, Ruby

C

The carbuncle original: "Carbunculus," which in Greek is "antrax", which is called a ruby by some, is a most precious, very red, and solid stone. It stands among other stones as gold stands among other metals. This stone is said to have more virtues than all other stones, as we mentioned above.

Virtues of the carbuncle.

Its special effect, however, is to drive away poisonous and vaporous air. When it is truly of good quality, it shines in the darkness like a coal original: "carbo," from which "carbuncle" is derived; I have seen such a stone myself. When it is of lesser quality, yet still genuine, it sparkles in the dark when clear and limpid water is poured over it in a clean, polished black vessel. That which does not shine in the dark in any way lacks perfect nobility. For the most part, it is found in Libya. Although it has many varieties according to Euax A legendary author of a lapidary poem often cited in the Middle Ages, who says it has eleven species, Aristotle (as Constantine reports)

says it has three species, which we enumerated above: namely the balas ruby, the garnet, and the ruby. Though many marvel at it, he says that among them the black garnets original: "granata nera" excel, even though they are esteemed to be of less value by gemstone dealers.

The chalcedony original: "Calcedonius" is a pale, dusky, and somewhat obscure stone. If it is pierced through and hung around the neck with the power of the stone called sineris, it is said to be very effective against fantastic illusions arising from melancholy. It also causes one to prevail in legal cases and preserves the strengths of the body—this last point has been proven by experience.

The calcafanos is a stone of black color, the virtue of which is said to clear the voice and heal hoarseness.

The ceraunia or Thunderstone is said to be a stone similar to crystal, imbued with a blue color. It is said to fall occasionally from the clouds with thunder, and is found in Germany and Spain. The Spanish variety is white-hot like fire. They say it provokes sweet sleep and works to win battles and legal cases, and protects against the dangers of thunder.

The swallow-stone original: "Celidonius" has two species: one is black, the other red. Both are pulled from the belly of a swallow. The red one, wrapped in a linen cloth or calf-skin and carried under the left armpit, is said to be effective against insanity, chronic illnesses, and the "lunatic passion" epilepsy or conditions believed to be influenced by the moon. Constantine says it is effective against epilepsy when carried in the aforementioned way. Euax reports that it makes one eloquent, gracious, and pleasing. The black one, as Joseph says, works against harmful humors, fevers, anger, and threats. Washed in water, it heals the eyes. It also brings a business matter to a successful conclusion. If it is wrapped in the leaves of the celandine herb, it is said to dim the sight. These stones are very small; we have seen such stones extracted from the stomachs of swallows by our own students original: "per fossos nostros" in the month of August, for they are said to be more powerful when taken then. Frequently—or rather always—two are found together in a single swallow.

The chelonite original: "Celontes" is a stone of purple color, said to be found in the body of a turtle. For there are certain very large sea turtles having "oars" flippers which are shining like pearls. It is said among diviners that it makes the wearer vomit [prophecies] from under the tongue; however, it is said not to have this power unless the moon is first new and waxing... and again when it is on the twenty-ninth day, waning at the very end. This stone is said not to be destroyed by fire.

The lygos original: "Legolites" is a stone similar in color and size to an olive pit. It is reported as proven that when dissolved in water, scraped, and drunk, it breaks up stones in the kidneys and bladder.

Coral original: "Corallus" is a stone of two species extracted from the sea, as we said above, especially from the sea around Marseille. One species is red, like ancient ivory; the other is white. It is shaped in the manner of plant branches. It is proven by experience that it is effective against any flow of blood. It is also said that when hung from the neck, it is effective against epilepsy, against the obstructions of menstruation, and against storms, lightning, and hail. And if powdered...