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Zhi Yingshi (Purple Quartz): Sweet and acrid in flavor, warm in nature, non-toxic. It primarily treats coughing up of qi and evil pathogens in the heart and abdomen, tonifies deficiencies, treats women's infertility due to wind-cold invading the uterus (leading to ten years of childlessness), alleviates ascending qi, heart and abdominal pain, disperses cold-heat pathogens and stagnant qi, tonifies insufficiency of Heart Qi, calms palpitations and fright, stabilizes the Hun and Po spirits, fills the Lower Jiao, stops Xiao Ke (wasting-thirst syndrome), eliminates chronic cold in the stomach, dissipates carbuncles and swellings, and renders the complexion lustrous. Long-term use warms the Middle Jiao, lightens the body, and prolongs life. It grows in the valleys of Mount Tai, and can be harvested at any time.

Changshi (Long Stone) serves as the guiding herb (Shi). When combined with Fuling (Poria), Renshen (Ginseng), and Shaoyao (Peony Root), it jointly treats stagnant qi in the heart; when combined with Tianxiong (Aconitum Lateralis Radix Preparata) and Changpu (Acorus Tatarinowii Rhizome), it jointly treats Huoluan (cholera-like disorder). It is incompatible with Bianqing (Azurite), Fuzi (Prepared Aconite Root), and dislikes Jia (likely a textual error or specific mineral), Huanglian (Coptis Rhizome), and Maijujiang (possibly Ginger species). Currently, the stone from Mount Tai is preferred; its color is heavy and translucent, with roots underneath. The next best comes from Baoling Mountain, which is also good. There is also Nancheng stone, which lacks roots. There is Qingmian stone, which is dark and heavy in color but not translucent. There is Linyi stone, which necessarily contains an eye-like object inside. Wuxing stone shows purple only on its four sides and lacks luster. Kuaiji Zhuji stone resembles pomegranate seeds in shape and color. Previously, these were used indiscriminately; now, manufacturers of pills and powders select them, considering only those from Mount Tai superior. Those from other places can be used for pills, wine infusions, or pastes. The *Xianjing* (Classic of Immortals) does not formally use it, but it is valued by folk prescriptions.

Bai Yingshi (White Quartz): Sweet and acrid in flavor, slightly warm in nature, non-toxic. It primarily treats Xiao Ke (wasting-thirst syndrome), impotence and insufficiency, coughing up of qi, chronic cold in the chest and diaphragm, benefits Qi, dispels wind-damp bi-syndrome, treats Fei Wei (lung atrophy/withering), descends rebellious Qi, promotes urination, tonifies the Five Zang organs, and enhances spiritual clarity (symbolized by passing through sunlight and moonlight). Long-term use lightens the body, prolongs life, and increases resistance to cold and heat. It grows in the valleys of Huayin and Mount Tai. It is finger-sized, two to three cun long, with six faces cut smooth like a knife, white, translucent, and lustrous. If the tip is yellow, it is named Huang Yingshi (Yellow Quartz); if red, Chi Yingshi (Red Quartz); if green, Qing Yingshi (Green Quartz); if black, Hei Yingshi (Black Quartz). It is harvested in the second lunar month, though no fixed time is required.

It is antagonistic to Mumu Dugong (a toxic insect/plant). Currently, physicians use the variety from Xin'an, which is extremely slender, white, and translucent; the large stones from Bagong Mountain in Shouyang are not formally used. The *Xianjing* uses both large and small stones, provided they are pure, white, flawless, and free of impurities. According to this description, larger stones are better. The four colored quartzs are no longer used today.

[Respectful Note]: Bai Yingshi: Produced in the mountains of Guozhou and Luozhou. The Guozhou variety is larger, with a diameter of three to four cun and a length of five to six cun. Currently, the variety from Zezhou is considered superior.