Zaofan (Melanterite) (Columnar crystals, massive, translucent, greenish-white, hard and brittle)【Name】n
n 【Source】n
Rihuazi Materia Medica
n 【Commonly Used Level】n
E
n 【Botanical Origin】n
A type of ore containing ferrous sulfate.
n 【Characteristics】n
Mostly in the form of columnar crystals, but also in the form of thin tubes, fibers, stalactites, nodules, or masses; transparent or translucent, with a vitreous luster, appearing in various shades of green to white, turning light yellow after prolonged exposure to air. Relatively hard and brittle, with a low hardness and a specific gravity of 1.89~1.90. White streak, taste astringent and sweet.
n 【Processing】n
1. Raw Zaofan (Melanterite) 2. Calcined Zaofan (Melanterite)
n 【Identification】n
《Essentials of Materia Medica》: “The deep blue and crystal clear ones are of good quality.” 《Identification of Good and Bad》: “Those shaped like dark blue are top grade.”
The best are green masses without impurities.
n 【Category】n
Minerals