Hanshuishi (Cold Water Stone) (Can be carved with a small knife)

【Naming】

Hanshuishi (Cold Water Stone)

 【Source】

Ben Jing (Shen Nong’s Herbal Classic)

 【Common Usage Level】

C

 【Botanical Source】

It is the crystal of Mirabilite, a sulfate mineral.

 【Characteristics】

(1) Calcite Cypsum Rubrum (Hanshuishi (Cold Water Stone)): Mostly in regular massive crystals, often rhomboid columnar, angular, white or yellowish-white, smooth surface, vitreous luster, transparent or opaque. Has perfect cleavage, so the crystal can be cleaved along three different directions. Hard and brittle, hardness 3, relative density 2-7, streak is white or pale gray, mostly breaks into small rhomboid fragments when struck. Fracture is flat. Slight odor, bland taste. 
(2) Red Gypsum: Irregular flat lumps, varying in size, translucent. Pink surface, uneven, often attached to gray soil. Hard and brittle, can be carved with a fingernail nail. Fractures vertically when struck, fracture surface has longitudinal texture, like fibers. Slightly earthy smell, bland slightly salty taste, tastes powdery when chewed.

 【Identification】

The best is white, smooth surface, vitreous luster, and transparent.

 【Category】

Minerals