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[Cishi (Magnetite)]
Odor and Flavor: Pungent, Cold. Non-toxic.
Indications: Zhou Bi (generalized bi-syndrome), wind-dampness, pain in the limbs and joints, inability to hold objects, sensation of soreness and emaciation in the limbs, clearing severe heat and fullness/irritability, and deafness.

(Cishi is produced in the valleys of Mount Tai and on the shady slopes of Ci Mountain. It is currently found in Cizhou, Xuzhou, and mountains near the South Sea. The "Nanzhou Yiwu Zhi" states: At Qitou in the vast sea, the water is shallow and abundant with Cishi; large ships reinforced with iron leaves cannot pass through here. This indicates that the output from the South Sea is particularly abundant. Those from Cizhou are the best for annual tribute; they can attract iron, linking dozens of iron pieces or one or two jin of knives and utensils in rotation without falling, which is especially excellent. The stone has pores; within the pores is a yellow-red color with fine hairs on top, possessing superior efficacy. Tusu Zhenjun said: Iron receives the Qi of the Sun. In its initial generation, halite is produced. After 150 years, it becomes Cishi; after 200 years, it gestates into iron. Thus, Cishi is the maternal essence of iron.)

Cishi is black in color, pungent in flavor, and cold in nature, likely generated by inheriting the refined essence of Metal and Water. Zhou Bi resides within the blood vessels, where the True Qi cannot circulate fully. Cishi can... [text implies regulation of Qi/Blood]. Wind-damp pathogenic factors injuring the limbs and joints cause pain, resulting in the inability of hands to hold objects and feet being too sore and emaciated to walk. "Suan Xiao" (soreness and wasting) is synonymous with "Suan Xue" (sour and cutting sensation). Cishi inherits the Metal-Water Qi of the Yangming and Taiyang meridians to assist/control Fire, allowing Yin to intersect with Yang, consistent with the principle of Cishi attracting needles downward yet rising upward.

[Shi Liuhuang (Sulfur)]
Odor and Flavor: Sour, Warm. Toxic.
Indications: Erosion of the female yin, carbuncles, hemorrhoids with foul blood, strengthening tendons and bones, treating alopecia capitis, and capable of melting gold, silver, copper, iron, and other substances. ("Qi" is suspected to be a typo for "Deng" meaning "etc.")

(Shi Liuhuang is produced in the Muyang Valley of the East Sea and in the mountains west of the Taihang River. It is now found in various regions beyond the Ling Mountains in the South Sea, but those imported via ship from Kunlun and Yazhou are of superior quality. This is the结 (condensation) of the essence of fire stones; places of production must have hot springs, and the spring water also carries a sulfur odor. Pieces that are crystalline, clean, smooth, yellow in color, and silent when chewed are best. Those mixed with soil and rock are unsuitable for medicinal use.)

Sulfur is yellow in color and stone-like in shape. Yellow is the color of Earth. Stone is the bone of Earth. It flames upon contact with fire, and its nature is warm-hot, inheriting the Qi transformation of Fire generating Earth. Fire is born from Wood; therefore, its odor and flavor are sour and warm. By inheriting Fire Qi, it warms the meridians, thus indicating indications for erosion of the female yin, as well as carbuncles and hemorrhoids with foul blood. By inheriting the essence of Earth and Stone, it strengthens tendons and bones. When Yang Qi grows, hair occurs; thus, it treats alopecia capitis. Being able to flame upon contact with fire, it can melt gold, silver, copper, iron, and other substances.