Library

Kongqing (Azurite)
Xinzhou Kongqing
Zengqing (Chrysocolla)
Lüqing (Malachite)

Taste: sweet, sour. Nature: cold. Non-toxic. Originates from the deep mountains of Yizhou, growing in places where copper ores exist. When the essence of copper fumes and steams, Kongqing is generated; its interior is hollow and broken, containing a watery paste. (If obtained, even if the shell is hollow, select those without paste, bury the whole intact shell in the ground for three to five nights, and the paste will naturally generate.) Size resembling an egg, it is only afraid of Dodder Seed (Tusizi). It can transform copper, iron, lead, and tin into gold, aiding the poor in becoming rich; specifically treats red swelling and blindness (Qingmang), removing dimness and restoring vision. The paste is a divine elixir for eye drops, and the shell is also a crucial medicine for topical application. As the proverb says: "Do not fear many blind people in the world, only worry that there is no Kongqing," which attests to its value. It benefits Liver Qi, nourishes Kidney Essence (Zijing), unblocks the nine orifices, and unifies blood vessels.

Zengqing has a similar taste and nature, and is also afraid of Dodder Seed. However, its shape resembles linked pearls, clustered together; it also grows in Shu and Yizhou, making authentic specimens extremely difficult to find. It can instantly process cinnabar and mercury into silver, effectively eliminating eye pain and stopping tears. Its other therapeutic effects on the body are similar to the aforementioned ones. Lüqing is highly sought after by painters, featuring blue and white patterns, and expels wind-phlegm very rapidly.

Baiqing (White Malachite) is rarely seen, resembling fish eyes in greenish-blue color (commonly called 'fish-eye green,' not used for painting). It is also effective in treating eye diseases. Bianqing (Flat Azurite) treats fractures, sores, swellings, and metal wounds, promoting fertility; Fuqing (Skin Green) mainly treats various toxins such as insect bites, snakebites, and vegetable poisoning, but may cause emaciation.

Shidan (Chalcanthite)
(Also known as Cuidanfan / Copper Vitriol)

Taste: sour, bitter, acrid. Nature: cold. Non-toxic. Authentic specimens originate from Yuxiang, Puzhou (in Shanxi Province), forming lumps round like chicken eggs. The color is greenish-blue, comparable to glass. When struck, it breaks longitudinally and transversely, with cleavage appearing in layers. It is found only in copper pits, and can also be mined and refined. (Although it can be refined, it is inferior to naturally occurring ones and is especially precious.) Currently, the market often uses vinegar-treated Qingfan (Green Alum) to fake it, so careful identification is necessary. It must be ground into fine powder before being used in medical prescriptions. It is incompatible with Magnolia Bud (Xinyi), Peucedanum Root (Baiwei), Genkwa Flower (Yuanhua), and Cinnamon Bark (Jun Gui). Hydrocalcite (Shuiying) serves as its guiding herb. It can transform iron into copper (and also into gold and silver). It treats rat-like fistulas, malignant ulcers, and throat鹅毒 (鹅口疮/Thrush toxicity); treats metrorrhagia, leukorrhea with blood, and itching/pain in the genital area. It expels wind-phlegm, eliminates epilepsy, kills parasites, and strengthens teeth.