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[Properties and Origin] Non-toxic. Grows in earth and stones.

Cengqing (Zhuqing, Malachite) [Source: *Shennong Bencao Jing*]: Indicated for eye pain, stops tearing, treats wind-bi syndrome, unblocks joints, opens the nine orifices, breaks up masses and accumulations. Long-term use lightens the body and prevents aging; can transform gold and copper.
(Above red text is from *Shennong Bencao Jing*): Nourishes the liver and gallbladder, eliminates chills and fever, kills white parasites, treats cephalalgia and cold in the brain, stops irritability and thirst, tonifies deficiency, and strengthens Yin qi.
(Above black text is recorded by famous physicians)

[Geography] (*Tu Jing* records): Produced in the valleys of Yizhou and the western mountains of Yue where copper exists, generated by the fumes of copper essence. Currently also produced in Xinzhou. Its therapeutic effect is quite similar to Kongqing (Azurite), and its color and texture are almost indistinguishable, but its shape is clustered like linked pearls, which is now extremely rare. (*Tang Ben Cao Zhu* states): The best quality comes from Weizhou, followed by Ezhou; those from other prefectures are not suitable for use.

[Time] (Harvesting): No fixed season.

[Usage]: Those without stone impurities are superior.

[Texture]: Resembles cicada wings and is clustered like linked pearls.

[Color]: Earthy yellow.

[Taste]: Sour.

[Nature]: Slightly cold.

[Aroma/Qi]: The aroma/taste is stronger than the Qi/Yin aspect.

[Indications]: Treats eye pain, refreshes the spirit and Qi.

[Antagonism]: Feared by Tusizi (Cuscutae Semen).

[Processing] (Lei Gong says): When processing two liang of Cengqing, use three herbs: Zibeitiankui (Basella rubra), Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma), and Qingzhicao (Poria with Hostwood? Note: Qingzhi usually refers to a specific mushroom/herb, here kept as Qingzhi Cao), each one yi (ancient weight unit) dry or wet. Finely chop them together and place in a porcelain crucible. Put the Cengqing inside, add two yi of East-flowing water and equal amounts of the other herbs. Simmer slowly for five days and nights, ensuring the fire and water do not lose their proper timing. Remove when sufficient, rinse with East-flowing water, then grind into powder using a mortar and pestle.

Chequ (Conch Shell/Chank Shell): *Jiyun* states: Produced in Western countries, it is a type of jade/stone, resembling clam shells with grain patterns. Very cold, non-toxic. Indicates for calming the spirit, stabilizing the residence, resolving various poisons and insect stings. Grinding one piece of Dai Mao (Trionycis Carapax) together with Chequ in human milk for administration is highly effective. Also, *Xiyu Ji* states: Heavy halls and temple beams are decorated with the Seven Treasures, this is one of them.

○ Jinxian Fan (Gold-thread Alum): *Guangzhou Zhi* states: Produced in Persia, taste is salty, sour, and astringent, toxic. Indicates for wild chicken hemorrhoids, malignant sores, scabies, and tinea. Breaking it open reveals gold-thread patterns; those with such patterns are superior grade, mostly used in alchemical firing.

○ Bosi Bai Fan (Persian White Alum): *Guangzhou Ji* states: Comes from Daqin (Rome/Byzantium), color is white and translucent/clear, with thorn-like needle patterns inside. Taste is sour and astringent, warm, non-toxic. Indicates for red and white leukorrhea, genital erosion, diarrhea and dysentery, sores and scabies; resolves all insect and snake toxins; reduces acute redness and swelling of the eyes and toothache. Calcining by fire is good. Antagonistic to Emu Li (Ostreae Concha). Mostly used by alchemists; its efficacy surpasses that from Shimen in Hexi. Recently, various tribes in Wenzhou also produce usable quantities.