The Leyden and Stockholm Papyri - University of Cincinnati

76. Preparation of Emerald
Take pure pyrites or rock crystal and make the composition in the
following way: Verdigris, 2 drachmas; celandine, 1 drachma;
Scythian black, 3 drachmas; liquid resin, which one holds in the
mouth, as much as necessary. Pulverize the dry materials, mix the
resin with them, and set it aside. Take liquid alum, pour water
upon it so that it becomes very watery and preserve it in a clay
vessel. Heat the stone in an earthen vessel and cool it off in the
alum. Heat the stone and put it in the above-named composition.
However, if you desire that it should be greener then again mix
pulverized verdigris with it.
The chemical nature of Scythian black is unknown.
77. Another (Recipe)
THE LEYDEN & STOCKHOLM PAPYRI
Grind scraped-off verdigris and soften in oil a day and a night.
Boil the stones therein with a gentle flame as long as desired.
78. Preparation of Emerald
Dissolve alum with vinegar in an earthen vessel and set it aside.
Take crystal and leave it therein a day and a night. Then take it
and coat it with wax or clay. After that, cook it in oil. If, however,
the stone is hard, hang it in honey. Then lift it out and put it in
copper green a day and a night. Take it out and cover it so that no
evaporation occurs. After that, smear it again with the materials
until it becomes emerald.
79. Preparation of Emerald
Mix: copper green, 9 drachmas; celandine, 1 drachma; verdigris,
1 drachma; indigo, 3 oboli; (and) resin. Coat the stones with this
mixture.
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