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Natural Copper Pyrite (Ziran Tong)

Pungent in flavor, neutral in nature, non-toxic. Treats fractures and injuries, disperses blood stasis, alleviates pain, and breaks up accumulations. It is found in the copper-bearing rock cliffs of Yongzhou, collected from pits and crevices among stones. Its shape varies in roundness or squareness, its color is greenish-yellow resembling copper, and it is not smelted from ore, hence the name Natural Copper Pyrite. (Currently appended)

Minister Yuxi et al. respectfully note: Rihua Zi states that Natural Copper Pyrite is cool in nature. It expels pus, resolves blood stasis, reconnects bones and tendons, treats postpartum blood pathogenic factors, calms the mind, and stops palpitations and fright.

The *Illustrated Classic* states: Natural Copper Pyrite originates from copper-bearing rock cliffs in Yongzhou; it is now also found in Xinzhou and Huoshan Jun. It is collected from copper pits and stone crevices. Its shape varies, its color is greenish-yellow like copper, and it is not smelted from ore, hence the name Natural Copper Pyrite. A variety produced in Xinzhou resembles tangled copper wires; it is said to naturally exude from copper ores under the influence of mountain vapors, similar to native silver or old man's beard, which is considered best for medicinal use. Those from Huoshan Jun are nodular and copper-like but hard and heavy as stone; physicians refer to this as "Shi" (Stone), which has weaker therapeutic efficacy. There is no fixed time for collection. Physicians in the south state that Natural Copper Pyrite comes in two or three types: one type is small like hemp seeds or millet, often clustered together, up to the size of a dou, with a brilliant golden luster like gold or pyrite, considered the highest grade; another type forms irregular blocks, bright and reddish; a third type resembles ginger or iron arrowheads. Another form appears unsmelted, varying in size, all from copper pits, brittle when struck, appearing yellow-red or green-black, becoming true copper after smelting. Although this description is detailed, it does not mention the wire-like variety. Furthermore, it is noted that many in the market substitute "Shi" (Stone) for Natural Copper Pyrite; when burned, these produce a blue flame resembling sulfur. This substitute also has varieties: one has a shell like *Yuyuliang* (Halloysitum Rubrum), breaking open to reveal a mirror-like interior with a yellow color like sulfur stone; another is greenish-yellow with wall-like structures or needle-bundle patterns; a third has granular textures like sand clumps. All shine like copper, mostly greenish-white with little red, burning completely into smoke and flame instantly. Many herbalists mistakenly identify this as Natural Copper Pyrite, and such substitutes are common in markets. When using Natural Copper Pyrite, calcination is usually required because it fears fire; this property distinguishes it regardless of appearance.

Lei Gong states: Shisuilian (Medulla Plumbi) is Natural Copper Pyrite. When using it, do not use Fangjinya (Square Gold Tooth); although Fangjinya resembles Shisuilian, accidental ingestion can be fatal.

Shisuilian resembles dry silver mud and has a slightly sweet taste. Upon collection, it should first be crushed, then boiled in Licorice Decoction (*Gancao Tang*) for one shichen (two hours). The next day, strain and spread out to dry. Pound in a mortar, sieve again, soak in vinegar overnight. The next day, coat a porcelain vessel with Liuyi Ni (Six-One Mud), hold about two sheng, and nurture over mild heat for three days and nights until dry. Seal with a lid, apply mud, and fire for two fushi (four hours). Remove the mud, lift the lid, and grind into powder. For processing five liang, use two yi of vinegar. *Danfang Jingyuan* states: Edible Natural Copper Pyrite is found in the copper pits of Yinchang, Qianshan County, Xinzhou. Deep within the copper mines, formed by years of mineral vapor accumulation, it resembles *Mapo* (Marasmius), is purple and heavy, tastes bitter and astringent when eaten, and is the true Natural Copper Pyrite. People today mistakenly use large bowl-shaped stones as Natural Copper Pyrite, which is incorrect. Bieshuo notes: In the rivers and marshes of Chenzhou, a variety grows round like *Shehan* (Ophiopogon japonicus tuber), large ones like walnuts, small ones like chestnuts. The outer skin is greenish-black and glossy. Broken open, it looks like stone but lacks the foul odor of Shi (Stone); it is highly effective medicinally.

*Yanyi* states: Natural Copper Pyrite was used by someone to feed a wild goose with broken wings, which subsequently flew away. Currently, for trauma and contusions, it is ground extremely fine, washed with water, mixed with equal parts of Angelica Sinensis Root (*Danggui*) and Myrrh (*Moyao*), each half qian, taken frequently with wine, while massaging the painful area.