Synthetic Gemstones Rubies Sapphires Page 229



	PART VIII. Artificial Production of real Precious Stones. Results obtained. Becquerel. Ebelman. Gaudin. Henri Sainte- Claire Deville. De Senarmont. Daubrie. Durocher. Sainte-Claire Deville and Caron, &fc. " Beset with emeralds And diamonds with sparkling nibies red In checlcerwise, by strange invention." We have seen that the elementary constituents of precious stones must have existed once in a condition that allowed them to move freely; and that this condition was obtained by one of three general methods— 1st.—Direct fusion of the substance by a sufficient heat. 2d.—Dissolution at variable temperatures of the mineral substance in a foreign body, and complete or partial volatilization of the dissolvent; or crystallization without evaporation under the influence of natural forces, either alone or aided by heat, electricity, &c. 3d.—Prior reduction into vapour of substances destined to react upon each other.