The Chrysolite obtains its name from the Greek CHRYSOS, gold, and LITHOS, a stone. This gem is of a light greeny-yellow; when deep olive green it is known as a Peridot, when yellowish-green as True Olivine. Among the ancients the Chrysolite was our topaz. Its name, literally “Golden Stone,” indicates the beautiful golden topaz so highly esteemed by gem-lovers, which, we are told, derives its name from that mysterious Island of the Mists which Pliny calls Topazion. Dr. G. F. Herbert Smith writes of the variety peridot as bearing the pretty name of “the evening emerald,” and the most charming specimens resemble the light green of the sea waters near the shore, illuminated by the setting sun. This gem appears to be the Amianthus of post-Biblical writers, known as “the gem of miracles,” which drove away the spirits and influences of evil, protected against obsession, dissolved enchantments, and the phantoms of the night, gladdened the heart with hope, strengthened the soul, inspired thought, banished illusion, despair, madness, aided the faculties of inspiration and prophecy. In the History of Monsieur Oufle—quoted by Brand—it is advised: “To expel phantoms and rid people of folly, take the precious stone chrysolite, set it in gold, and let them wear it about ’em.” Francis Barrett says that it is good for the lungs and cures asthmatical complaints; also that when held under the tongue it cures fevers, aids prophecy, bestows eloquence and inspiration. The peridot was known as “_the_” precious stone, and was often valued more than the diamond. The hardness of the chrysolite is from 6 to 7 on Mohs’ scale. It is under the zodiacal Pisces. CHRYSOPRASE