Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible (1898)
BDELL'IUM. Gen 2:12. After much discussion, it is still impossible to say whether bdellium is a mineral, an animal production (pearl), or a vegetable exudation. It is probably the latter. There is a gum produced in the East Indies which has the same name and is thought by many to be the same substance. It resembles myrrh in color, and is of a bitter taste. Num 11:7.