《金石簿五九数诀》

Those who cultivate the Dao (the Way) and wish to obtain the precious materials used in elixir refinement must first recognize the various metals and stones, distinguish their shapes and qualities, and understand which places of origin and grades are good and which are not suitable for use.

Cinnabar produced in Chenzhou and Jinzhou, with granules as large as peaches or jujubes, bright, transparent, and crystal-clear like pomegranates, is the best. When this type of cinnabar is unavailable, next select high-quality "horse-tooth" cinnabar; thereafter choose that which is purple in color and heavy in texture. Inferior grades below these are all unsuitable for use.

Realgar produced in Wudu, with color like a cock's comb, of fine texture and ruddy complexion, is the best. The red realgar produced in Persia is of poorer quality.

Jade produced in Lantian varies in shape and quality and has five colors, of which white jade is the finest. Select only that which is bright, warm and moist, without blemishes, and which produces a clear crisp sound when struck.

Native sulfur produced in Xingnan and Linyi, named "Kunlun yellow," with an appearance as bright as glass, is the best. Native sulfur produced in Persia can also be used, especially the naturally formed massive pieces.

Yushi has many shapes and comes from many places. That produced in Liang, Han, Bingzhou, Mount Song, and the mountain valleys of Yongzhou, some of which when split resemble side-standing trees or certain fruits, ranging in size from the mouth of a bowl to a fist; among them those white as jade are the best. Those from other places of origin are all unsuitable for use.

Red stone fat produced in Wujun and Zezhou, with color like congealed fat and of fine texture, is the best.

White stone fat produced in Wujun, in the same place as the red stone fat. That which appears like congealed fat is the best.

White quartz produced in Shouyang and Zezhou comes in many varieties. Select only those that are bright inside and out, without spots or stains, and which when placed in water appear the same color as the water. Whether the granules are coarse or fine, all can be used.

Mica: the scripture here only lists the name, without yet explaining the place of origin and the grade.

These minerals are produced in Langya, Pengcheng, Qingqi, Luzhou and other such places, and are divided into six kinds. Their colors can be seen clearly only when they are observed facing the sunlight: those that are yellowish-white mixed with a greater amount of cyan are called “Yunying”; those that are cyan-yellow, crystalline and translucent, are called “Yunye”; those that are pure white and bright, without any mixed colors, are called “Yunjing”; those that are cyan-white mixed with a greater amount of black are called “Yunmu.” Specimens whose colors are vivid, displaying the five colors and dazzling in their radiance, are the finest among them.

Stalactite (Shi Zhongru)

Produced in Shaozhou. When used in smelting, it is not necessary to select only the very finest grade; as long as the color is lustrous and the form is coarse, large, and thick, it may be used.

Magnetite (Cishi)

Produced in Cizhou. Those capable of attracting six or seven iron nails are all considered of superior grade and may be used.

Shinao (Stone Brain)

Originally produced in the Siping area of Maoshan, and occurring in various colors as well. Only those produced in Puzhou, whose color is as pure white as accumulated snow, are suitable for use; those produced in the kingdom of Persia are the best.

Actinolite (Yangqishi)

This is the root of mica (yunmu). It occurs in two colors, yellow and black, of which the yellowish-white variety produced on Mount Tai is the best; the pure white varieties produced in Xingzhou, Yizhou, and on Queshan in Qizhou are of the finest quality.

Jinjing (Golden Essence)

Select the unrefined raw ore whose color resembles emerald-green jade and whose surface is densely covered with golden stars; such specimens are of better quality.

Yellow Alum (Huangfan)

Produced in Guazhou, there are five kinds in all. When compounding and refining elixir medicines, the yellowish-white variety is mostly used, while the other colors are less frequently employed. Yellow alum in appearance resembles gold; when broken open, gold-star-like spots and patterns can be seen; when rubbed on a silver vessel it causes the silver to turn yellow. It is able to subdue mercury, causing the mercury to adhere to it without falling off. If it appears in a horse-tooth shape, and after burning the color turns dark and it crumbles into powder, it cannot be used.

White Alum (Baifan)

That produced in the Hao region is the best, that from the Zhao region is somewhat inferior, and those from other places are all unsuitable for use.

Crimson Alum (Jiangfan)

Produced in Persia, its form resembles a bluish-green maoli (suspected to indicate a cyan-green mineral). Specimens of clear, pure quality are finest; those from other sources are unfit for use.

Chicken-dung alum (jishi fan), an alum mineral, originates from Persia. Shaped like chicken droppings, it shows tints of green, yellow, and white. In this alchemical art it is a highly important secret medicine.

Hai alum (hui fan), another alum mineral, comes from Annam and Heling in red, yellow, and black. It cannot be used among the five alums.

Chicken-dung alum is produced in Persia, resembling chicken droppings and colored green, yellow, and white. It is a very important secret medicine in this art.

Hai alum is sourced from Annam and Heling in red, yellow, and black. This mineral belongs among the five alums and must serve as an auxiliary medicine. After crushing, golden spots confirm it is genuine.

Empty cyan (kongqing), a cyan mineral, is produced in Liuzhou and Luyuezhou. Purple-cyan with a green tinge, it shows spiral patterns, is hollow rather than solid, and has a central hole like a Kunlun head; it also matches tree-tadpole seeds. Specimens resembling “kaokao” with golden spots are genuine and of the highest grade. Guangzhou also yields it. Most examples are counterfeit and genuine pieces are rare. In this art it is a highly important secret medicine.

The small pill-like granules found within empty cyan are themselves called empty cyan. Layered cyan (zengqing) and empty cyan do not differ; separate names merely create arbitrary distinctions. All round cyan minerals, together with the mother stone that encases them, are likewise termed layered cyan; the name is not restricted to the granular form. Contemporary materia medica texts establish separate designations, and the ancients should not be blamed for this; I too list them by their differing names.

Layered cyan of better quality comes from the Shu mountains and Yuezhou. Its color resembles emerald green or coptis root; cyan-purple pieces like earthworm dung are regarded as superior.

Stone cassia essence (shiguiying), a mineral, occurs in places with stalactite. Extremely white, it whitens the hand when held; pieces that feel like cupped snow are best.

The phrase “li lie yi” appears to be fragmentary or corrupted and cannot be reliably interpreted.

Layered cyan from the Shu mountains and Yuezhou is preferable. It looks like emerald green or coptis; cyan-purple varieties resembling earthworm dung constitute the top grade.

Stone cassia essence is found where milk-stone occurs. Very white, it stains the hand white when grasped; specimens like held snow are finest.

Veined stone (lishi) (subsequent text not recorded).

The stone produced in Liangzhou, Qingningzhou, and Sanzhou is of excellent quality, with a texture as fine as needles, a yellowish-white color, and a moist, attractive appearance that ranks it as superior grade.

Puxiao, a natural mineral medicine, is of the highest quality when it remains unaffected by weathering and erosion. That from Yizhou is preferable, its color neither dry nor withered, and specimens with a slight bluish tint are even better.

Cuoxiao, a nitre-type mineral from Yizhou, resembles material piled in a cool, shaded spot. Some say it also occurs in volcanic areas; among these, the variety that is white as snow and moist in texture is superior.

Shidan, a copper-bearing mineral typically green-blue in color, is found in Liangzhou and also in Xindu. Specimens from Qiang territory, green with a bluish tinge, are of better quality. A type from Laoshan shaped like the moon and mottled yellow-green is likewise excellent. Of these two sources, the Laoshan material is slightly preferable; produce from other localities is inferior to the superior grade from Puzhou.

Xiaoshi, a nitrate mineral, was originally regarded as finest when obtained from Yizhou, Qiang territory, Wudu, Longxi, and the kingdom of Wuchang.

In the jiazi year of the Linde era under Tang Gaozong, a Brahmin monk from Central India named Zhifalin arrived with Sanskrit scriptures to translate, intending a pilgrimage to Mount Wutai. Reaching Lingshi County in Fenzhou, he asked the locals why they did not gather the abundant xiaoshi there. Zhao Rugui, Du Faliang, and twelve others accompanied the Indian monk in collecting samples, yet after testing they found none suitable, all inferior to the Wuchang product.

Proceeding later to Zezhou, they observed its lush, beautiful mountains. Zhifalin remarked that xiaoshi was present there as well and asked whether it too might prove unusable. He and the Chinese monk Lingwu collected it; upon firing and refining, the mineral gave off purple fumes. Zhifalin observed that this numinous medicine could transform the five metals and that other mineral substances encountering it would dissolve entirely into water. Comparative trials then confirmed that Zezhou material could be used. Repeated employment in gold refining indeed displayed miraculous efficacy. Relative to the Wuchang variety, Zezhou xiaoshi is somewhat softer in texture.

Tianmingsand (the original merely lists the name without further description).

This substance is produced in the kingdom of Persia and is suitable for processing vessels and implements of the five metals. It has many counterfeits, so one must personally test it in order to distinguish the genuine from the false. When held in the mouth, if there is no discomfort such as bitterness, a sensation of intoxication, or sourness, this can serve as a basis for identification. Compared with those produced in the kingdom of Wuzhang and in Zezhou, the Zezhou variety is slightly softer.

Tianmingsha is produced in the kingdom of Persia and is suitable for processing implements of the five metals. This medicinal substance has many fakes, so one must personally experiment to distinguish the true from the false. Held in the mouth, it produces no feelings of bitterness, intoxication, sourness, or saltiness; its color is bluish-white. When burned it does not boil, a juice like water flows out, and upon drying it solidifies like glue—this is the genuine article. If purple smoke arises during burning, or if after burning a lacquer-like substance appears on the surface, these too are genuine and may be selected for use.

Although Huanghuashi has a name, its actual uses are not great. Genuine Huanghuashi of the highest quality comes from Persia; those from Jiangdong, Beiting, and Qianzhou are of secondary quality. It is also produced in places with copper mines, but the quality is the poorest and cannot be used. Its shape and texture resemble copper ore, with golden spots and a reddish hue; after repeated burning it emits a fishy odor and black smoke. When ground and placed in mercury, the mercury floats to the surface. Only that produced in Persia is genuine.

Another account says it resembles purple ore or qilinjie (also called xuejie, a resinous medicinal substance), but this is incorrect. True Huanghuashi has a very bright and lustrous color.

Buhuimu is produced in Persia and is the root of silver-stone. Its shape resembles rotten wood, and it undergoes no change even after prolonged burning; after burning it does not turn to ash, remaining greenish-blue in color like wood, and it is able to subdue mercury. Those produced elsewhere are unsuitable; the Persian product is of the highest quality.

Rongyan (a type of natural salt) is produced thirty li outside the city beneath a high cliff, flowing out naturally and not manufactured by human labor. It tastes neither salty nor irritating to the tongue. If genuine, its color is greenish-blue like wood, and it can subdue mercury. Those from other places are unsuitable; the Persian product is of the highest quality.

Rongyan is produced thirty li outside the city beneath a high cliff, issuing forth naturally rather than being made by human effort. Tasted, it is not salty and does not irritate the mouth or tongue. By stacking it layer upon layer one can discern its quality. Another account says it is produced in Rongzhou, with the bluish-white colored being the best. Its origin has not yet been ascertained, so it cannot yet be determined which is the genuine article.

In the methods of Daoist arts, Rongyan may be compared in trial use with the granular salt produced in Hedong and Guannei. The efficacy of Rongyan far surpasses that of other salts. Knowing this, one ought to value Rongyan.

Taiyin Xuanjing

In the salt ponds of Xie County in Hedong (the present-day Yuncheng region of Shanxi), this substance is produced; it is salt root. Specimens gathered close to the water’s edge have a form resembling jade and also tortoise shell. Those that are black and heavy cannot be used; the yellow-white, bright and clean ones are best. This salt root can also be employed to process mercury, to induce transformation in mercury, and to reduce it to powder. When compared with the variety from Yanzhou, the Yanzhou product is slightly superior, from which it may be known that the salt root of this type from Yanzhou is finer.

Lu Xian

It occurs in the marsh ponds some seventeen or eighteen li northeast of Tongzhou and is likewise a salt root. Its form resembles the fine granular salt of Hedong; it tastes bitter yet is not salty. The original text does not give a specific place-name of origin. People of the world mistakenly take the white, loose, blackish matter that grows in level marshland to be Lu Xian—a grave error.

Huashi (talc)

The talc of Caizhou and Qingzhou is the finest. People of the time wrongly employed the Kunlun variety, placing it in “Six-One Mud” (a sealing compound used in Daoist elixir work), which is wholly unsuited to the original purpose. For treating illness, however, the Kunlun product is preferable; among it, pieces that are soft, pure white, and that can be pared like wax are best.

Hanshui Shi (cold-water stone)

Those of extremely white color that appear watery in quality are good.

Hutong Lü

This substance originally issues from trees of the Western Regions, formed by the coagulation of sap that flows from them; it is also called “Hutong tears.” People today, not understanding the origin of the name, casually write it “Hutong Lü.” Because “lü” and “lei” are close in sound, those unversed in the formula literature wrote “lü” by mistake, and later generations universally adopted the erroneous form. Its appearance is like subterranean salt-stone. Goldsmiths and silversmiths use it as solder to excellent effect; it is likewise efficacious in the refining of gold and silver.

Shiliu Dan (pomegranate elixir)

It is produced on Taihe Mountain, shaped like a pomegranate, reddish outwardly, with inner granules resembling pomegranate seeds. Ancient tradition holds that Xu You ingested it and thereby attained the Dao and became an immortal, though whether the episode is factual cannot be determined. In the Dao of elixir refining this substance is regarded as of the utmost secrecy and importance.

Yu Yuliang (Yu’s leftover grain)

In the mountains of the Shuhai and Shuyang Zezhou region, minerals of many colors are produced, appearing in the five hues of blue-green, yellow, red, white, and black. In recent times people have invariably chosen the yellow variety for use, yet they may not clearly understand which kind is truly suitable. Substances of this sort are of the greatest importance in the present method of cultivation and refinement; they are secret and essential materials.

Yuyuliang of five colors is produced in the mountains of the same Shuhai and Shuyang Zezhou region. People nowadays mostly select the yellow ones; those whose color resembles cattail pollen are preferable, and the red ones are also quite good. Only the white specimens that are pure and free of any mixed colors rank as the very highest grade.

Only paosha that is lustrous and thoroughly transparent is fit for use. Some say that volcanoes also yield paosha, yet these cannot compare with the product of Beiting, which is the finest.

Cihuang comes from Wudu. Specimens whose color is as bright as gold leaf, which when split open display a mica-like sheen and contain no intermixed fragments of stone, are of superior quality.

Jinya originally comes from Shu Commandery and is also found in the Jing-Xiang region. It is black and smooth; when broken open the interior shows fine, fragmented veins like threads of gold. In former times those afflicted with the “black-foot” illness would soak this substance in wine and drink it; it was reputed to effect a cure, and the wine therefore came to be called “golden-sprout wine.”

Daizhe is produced in the mountains of the Yanmen region; the red variety is preferable while the yellow cannot be used. According to another account, those suffering from “black-foot” disease likewise soak this medicine in wine and take it, after which they are said to recover; this wine is also known as “golden-sprout wine.”

Daizhe is produced in the mountains around Yanmen; red is better and yellow is unusable. Another report states that Daizhe is also produced in the area of Dawangcheng in Weizhou, and those specimens that display red veined patterns are the best.

Shiyan comes from the territory of the Xi people in the northern part of Pingzhou; pieces that resemble black mica and possess a glossy, moist surface are the finest. It is also produced in Yanzhou, though there the color is darker and the texture somewhat softer. The product of the Persian kingdom is the best of all.

Zishiying is produced on Taihe Mountain and is shaped like a pestle head. Crystals that are bright and transparent, with a pale yet clear color, are the best. It is also found in the Chenzhou region. In this method of cultivation, purple quartz is likewise a material of great importance. Only those pieces that are purple throughout, inside and out, and crystalline and translucent, qualify as superior.

Shizhonghuangzi is produced at the source of the Qin River and is shaped like a goose egg. When broken open it contains a yellow fluid resembling the yolk of a hen’s egg. It is said that if one can obtain two or three sheng of this liquid and consume it, one may attain immortality and never die.