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and of ſuch a Kind, that when held againſt the [1]Sun, it reſembles that of a burning Coal. This Stone is extremely valuable, one of a very ſmall Size being valued at forty Aurei. It is brought from Carthage and Maſſilia.
- ↑ It was from this Property of reſembling a burning Coal when held againſt the Sun, that this Stone obtained the Names Carbunculus and ἄνθραξ; which afterwards being miſunderftood, there grew an Opinion of its having the Qualities of a burning Coal, and ſhining in the dark; and as no Gem ever was, or ever will be found endued with that Quality, it was ſuppoſed that the true Carbuncle of the Antients was loſt: but it was long generally believed, that there had ſome time been ſuch a Stone. The Words of this Author, however, ſet it very clear, that this Appearance in the Sun only was the Occaſion of the Name. That Species of Carbuncle of the Antients which poſſeſſed this Quality in the greateſt Degree, was the Garamantine or Carthaginian; and as the Author gives alſo Carthage for the Place whence this which he here deſcribes was brought, there is no doubt but the particular Species here meant, is the Garamantine Carbuncle of the Antients, and that is the true Garnet of the Moderns. Experience ſhews, that this, Stone has more the Appearance of a fire Coal in the Sun than the Ruby or any other of the red Gems; and it is famous for ſuſtaining the Force of Fire unhurt; which is the other great Characteriſtic of that Stone mentioned by the Author. This Stone is often very beautiful and valuable: I ſaw one ſold this Winter, 1774, at an Auction
When Lead and Iron together entered the Compoſition, the Stone became a Hyacynth; when Iron alone, the Granate, and other red Gems, or, as the Antients in one Word expreſs it, the Carbuncles were produced: the Ruby is particular, and owes its dye to Gold. When Copper, diſſolved by Acids got in, the Emerald appeared; by Alcalies, the Sapphire; and ſo of the reſt. No Wonder is it, therefore, that the Gems in particular have never been perfectly reduced to Method; ſince there is ſo little Room for determining any thing fixed and ſtable in regard to them; and when the Operations by which Nature gave them their Exiſtence, have been ſo uncertain; and liable to ſuch numberleſs accidental Variations.
