Concerning the Nature of Things.
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according to their own distinct colours.[1] The generation of common stones is from the subtlety of water, by the mucilaginous Mercury, Sulphur, and Salt. For all stones are produced by the mucilage of water, as also pebbles and sand are coagulated from the same source into stones.[2] This is patent to the eyes: for every stone placed in water soon draws the mucilage to itself. If, now, that mucilaginous matter be taken from such stones and coagulated in a cucurbite, a stone will be produced of the same kind as would of itself be produced and coagulated in the water, but after a long period of time.
- ↑ The generation of gems in Ares occurs after this manner: When the gross genera of stones have been all extracted out of Ares, a certain subtlety remains, more diaphanous in its nature than are other stones, and out of this the Archeus subsequently procreates gems after such a manner that hardness and very great transparency are first prepared. Hence the gems are afterwards developed, each according to its own form and essence. Very great subtlety and artifice are employed over this generation.—De Elemento Aqua, Tract IV., c. 10.
- ↑ The body of every kind of stone is sulphur, as that of metals is mercury. The hardness is from salt, and the density from mercury.—Ibid., c. 5.
