Page 124

and wear them. Now we will tell you
briefly about the stones that are found and discovered in India.
[rubric:] This speaks of the stones, precious and
of great virtue, that are found in India. [/rubric]
In India is found the
adamant, a stone full
of many great virtues. By its nature
it attracts iron to itself, and it holds onto it so strongly
that no one can pull it away, by the great quality that it has in itself.
Similarly, the diamond is found throughout India. It cannot
be shattered or worn down except by very
hot goat's blood. Other gems are found there, of many other kinds
and quality, that are worthy of great praise
and renown and are very beautiful. I will
speak to you first of all about the emerald, which is
so pleasing to the eye that the sight of anyone who sees it is
eased. Similarly there is found in India
another stone called the carbuncle, which shines brightly
like a glowing coal, whether it be at night or in a dark
place. There sapphires also are found,