agate

agate

(materia medica Menghong)

[synonyms] Ma Nao (Lu Ji's Linggui Fu), Ma Nao (Shiyi Ji), Wen Shi (compendium).

[source] it is one of the cryptocrystalline varieties of mineral quartz.

[mineral form] agate

It is a cubic system. It is usually dense and massive, forming various structures, such as breast like, grape like, tuberculous and so on. The color is different, depending on the type and amount of impurities. It is usually in strip, concentric ring, cloud or dendritic distribution. White, gray, brown and reddish brown are the most common, black, blue and other colors are also available. Striation white or near white. Waxy luster, translucent to transparent. The fracture is conchoidal. The hardness is 6.5-7. The specific gravity is 2.6-2.7. It is formed by silica colloidal solution of various colors and filled in the cracks or caves of rocks.

[herbal medicine] is irregular block with different sizes, light red, orange red to dark red, strip or cloud color, transparent to translucent, smooth or uneven surface, with wax like luster. It is hard and brittle, easy to break, and the section is slightly smooth. There is no breath, and the taste is light. It can be dissolved in hydrogen fluoride and potassium hydroxide solution.

It is produced in Henan Province. Hubei, Anhui, Jiangsu, Shaanxi, Gansu, Sichuan, Yunnan, Zhejiang, Taiwan, Xinjiang, Liaoning, etc.

[chemical composition] the main component is silicon dioxide, which is often repeatedly layered due to alternating with hydrated silicon dioxide (silicic acid). Because of its inclusion of oxide metal, the color can be from very light to dark. With iron, cobalt, nickel and other salts, they are naturally permeated in silica gel, and can be artificially made "agate". Natural agate may also be generated under similar conditions.

[processing] smash and grind into fine powder or water.

[nature and taste] notes on materia medica: "pungent, cold, non-toxic. "

[function and indications] 1. In the collection of Materia Medica, it says: "it can dispel evil and iron the eyes red and rotten. "

② "Gangmu": "the main head produces a barrier, which is the end and the day point. "

③ According to the classic of Materia Medica, "agate is the last of the Shanshan generation, so it's better to point your eyes to remove the obstacles. "

Chinese PinYin : Ma Nao