Mit陀僧 (Lead Monoxide) (Flat pieces, smooth waxy luster, layered, silvery-white metallic shimmer)
[Naming]
[Source]
Xin Xiu Ben Cao (Newly Revised Materia Medica)
[Common Usage Level]
E
[Origin]
Crude lead oxide produced by smelting lead ore.
[Characteristics]
Complete pieces are mostly bottle-shaped and hollow. Current commercial products are mostly irregular flat pieces, with a smooth surface and a waxy luster, layered, each layer approximately 0.1-0.2 cm thick, yellow or yellowish-brown or purple. The texture is relatively loose and brittle, the surface is uneven and rough, grayish-green, with a silvery-white metallic shimmer. The powder is yellow.
[Identification]
Zheng Lei Ben Cao (Classified Materia Medica): “The best is one that is shaped like yellow Long Chi (Fossilized Teeth) and is firm and heavy.” “Yan Yi says: Mit陀僧 (Lead Monoxide) is firm and heavy, and the best is one that looks golden when hammered open.” Ben Cao Pin Hui Jing Yao (Essential Materia Medica): “The golden one is the best.” Liang Lie Jian Bie (Discrimination of Good and Bad): “The pale yellow silver Mit陀僧 (Lead Monoxide) is the superior product, and the reddish-yellow gold Mit陀僧 (Lead Monoxide) is the inferior product.” The best are small, golden-yellow ones without impurities.
[Category]
Minerals