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Qinglanggan (Green Turquoise/Lapis Lazuli)

Pungent in flavor, neutral in nature, non-toxic. Primarily treats body pruritus (itching), fire sores, carbuncle injuries, white tinea capitis (scalp ringworm), scabies and itching, necrotic muscle tissue, and erosive conditions spreading within the skin. After boiling and refining, it can be ingested to raise Yin Qi (the nourishing and cooling aspect of vital energy) and can also be used to refine elixirs. Also known as Shizhu (Stone Pearl) or Qingzhu (Green Pearl). Grows in Pingze, Shu Commandery. Can be harvested at any time. (Neutralizes tin toxicity; works well when combined with Mercury(II) Sulfide [Shuiyin]; adverse reaction with Chicken Bone.)

Tao Hongjing states: This refers to "Qingzhu Huanghuan" mentioned in the *Shudu Fu*. Huanghuan is actually a herb; if one assumes they are the same species merely due to similar naming, that would be a gross error. Langgan is also the name of a tree on Mount Kunlun, and furthermore, it is the name of a Great Elixir in the *Jiuzhen Jing*. This stone is currently of no use, except for treating Niandu (cold extremities/retrograde limb condition). Regarding the method of transforming it into an elixir, I have not seen it confirmed. The *Tang Ben Cao* commentary notes: Langgan comes in several colors and belongs to the category of Liuli (glazed pottery/glass), which is a Huoqi treasure. Among the five colors of Langgan, the green variety is superior for medicinal use. It is currently produced in the Wubai Man regions west of Sui Province and in the Kingdom of Khotan. Minister Yuxi et al., according to Chen Cangqi, state: Liuli primarily treats body heat and red eyes; soak it in water until cold and apply as a compress. The *Yunji* states: It is a Huoqi pearl. The *Nanzhou Yiwu Zhi* states: Liuli was originally stone; treated with natural ash, it can be made into vessels. Chequ (Conch Shell), Manao (Agate), and Yushi (Jade) are all categories of stone; these are precious treasures of Western countries. The *Buddhist Sutras* state: The Seven Treasures refer to Gold, Silver, Liuli, Chequ, Manao, Boluo (Glass), and Zhenzhu (Pearl). Some say Coral and Hupo (Amber). Currently, intricate carvings on Agate bowls are processed using natural ash and Kunwu knives. Natural ash is sometimes counterfeited today with ox-hide glue, which is incorrect. Rihua Zi states: Boluo (Glass) is cold in nature and non-toxic. It calms the mind, stops palpitations and fright, brightens the eyes, and removes ocular nebulae (cataracts/opacities).

The *Tujing* states: Qinglanggan grows in Pingze, Shu Commandery. Su Gong’s commentary notes: Langgan has several varieties and belongs to the category of Liuli, a Huoqi treasure. Among the five colors of Langgan, the green variety is superior for medicinal use; it is produced in the Wubai Man regions west of Sui Province and in the Kingdom of Khotan. Currently, the *Yiyu Tu* held in the Secretariat records that Langgan is green and grows in the sea. It is said that sea divers retrieve it from the seabed using nets; initially red upon emerging from the water, it turns dark blue-black over time. Its branches resemble coral but possess pores like insect-bored wood, and it produces a metallic sound when struck, resembling coral. These accounts differ, and people cannot identify it definitively. According to the *Book of Documents · Tribute of Yu*: The tribute of Yongzhou includes Qiu, Lin, and Langgan. The *Erya* states: The beauty of the northwest lies in the Qiu, Lin, and Langgan of Mount Kunlun ruins. Kong Anguo and Guo Pu both considered it a stone resembling pearls. However, the *Classic of Mountains and Seas* states: There is Langgan on Mount Kunlun. If it is indeed a beautiful stone, bright and lustrous like a pearl, its form is upright and clustered. Generally, ancients referred to many beautiful stones as pearls. The *Guangya* states that Liuli and Coral are also called pearls, which explains this. Thus, the *Benjing* lists one of its names as Qingzhu. Zuo Taichong’s *Shudu Fu* says: "Qingzhu Huanghuan." Huanghuan is a tree; citing it alongside implies its beauty resembles a pearl, though its substance is truly wood. As mentioned above, these originate from mountains in the northwest, whereas current illustrations claim they are obtained from the sea. Presumably, rare treasures are produced in mountains, seas, valleys, and plains alike. Physicians today rarely use it due to its scarcity.

*Tang Ben* supplement: Sweet in flavor.

*Yanyi* states: Qinglanggan. The *Book of Documents* says: Sanwei is settled. Sanwei is a mountain in the western frontier; its tribute consists only of Qiu, Lin, and Langgan. Kong Yingda considered Langgan to be a stone resembling jade. The *Xinshu* also mentions Sanmiao and Xirong. The *Western Regions Record* states: Tianzhu (India) is the primary producer of this item. Tao Hongjing claimed it was a tree named after a Great Elixir. Since it is named after a Great Elixir, how could the *Benjing* state it should be boiled and ingested? It further says it can be transformed into an elixir. Tao Hongjing’s distant reference is inappropriate; this is not the Langgan in question. The *Tang Ben* commentary states it is a type of Liuli. Moreover, Liuli is fired by fire, whereas Langgan is not fired. The *Classic* states it grows in Pingze, Shu Commandery; how can it be considered the same category? This theory diverges even further. Furthermore, the Liuli mentioned in Buddhist sutras, similar to Gui Gu Zhu, is a fired product, which is absolutely not used by people today.