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Zi Shiqing (Purple Quartz), grows in the valleys of Mount Tai. Currently, it is also found in the mountains of Lingnan and Kuaiji. According to *Wu Pu Ben Cao* (*Pharmacopoeia by Wu Pu*): Zi Shiqing is produced in Mount Tai and Kuaiji; it should be smooth as if cut, with purple color penetrating through to the top, resembling the stem of a cattail. Tao Hongjing stated: Stones from Mount Tai, which are deep-colored, clear, and have roots, are of the best quality. Stones from Kuaiji, which resemble pomegranate seeds in shape and color, are of the lowest quality. Previously, they were used interchangeably, but now only stones from Mount Tai are used; those from other places can be made into pills or wine tonics. Furthermore, according to *Ling Biao Lu Yi*: It is warm in nature and non-toxic; its efficacy is double that of Bai Shiqing (White Quartz) from the north. Thus, Zi Shiqing from Mount Tai, Kuaiji, and Lingnan has been used for a long time. *Ru Shi Lun* (*Treatise on Milk Stones*) does not record the single use of Zi Shiqing; it is commonly used only in Wu Shi San (Five Minerals Powder). Zhang Wenzhong had a method for boiling water with single-use Zi Shiqing. Hu Qian and *Qian Jin Fang* (*Essential Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold*) mostly mix it with other herbs. Currently, physicians use it only occasionally in prescriptions for treating women's diseases and heart conditions.

Bai Shiqing (White Quartz), grows in the valleys of Mount Hua (Huashan) and Mount Tai. Tao Hongjing considered those from Xin'an to be superior; Su Gong considered those from Zezhou to be better; currently, those from Zezhou are produced. Generally, those that are long, white, lustrous, clear, shiny, and have six faces as if cut are usable; those five to six cun in length are even better. Those with yellow ends like gold are named Huang Shiqing (Yellow Quartz); those with red ends and white bases are named Chi Shiqing (Red Quartz); those with green ends and red bases are named Qing Shiqing (Green Quartz); those that are black, lustrous, and shiny are named Hei Shiqing (Black Quartz). Harvested in February, though some say it can be harvested at any time. In ancient times, people taking mineral tonics valued Bai Shiqing highly, while Zi Shiqing was used only in Wu Shi San. Although the four types—yellow, red, green, and black—are listed in *Ben Jing* (*Shennong Bencao Jing*), physicians rarely use them. Therefore, *Ru Shi Lun* refers to Zhong Ru Shi (Stalactite) as "Ru" (Milk) and Bai Shiqing as "Shi" (Stone); among the six types of quartz, only the white stone is precious. It further states that "Ru" is Yin within Yang, and "Shi" is Yang within Yin. Therefore, one takes "Ru" after the Jiazi day following November (when Yang begins to grow), and takes "Shi" after the Jiazi day following May (when Yin begins to grow). However, they have contrary and antagonistic properties; if adverse reactions occur, the harm is significant. Thus, when Ru Shi disease manifests, although there are many treatments, few succeed. Indeed, one must not take them lightly.