THE BOOK OF DIAMONDS
ing
and attracting colors characteristic of the zircon gem, it seems indeed
strange that the only variety of this gem mineral that is at all
popular at present, should be an artificially produced color. This is
a steely blue zircon gem of great brilliancy and dispersion when cut.
Recently
the amethyst, a much finer crystal of quartz, has become quite popular.
It is not a precious stone; but its violet color and, if properly cut,
its play of light, are pleasing, and often fascinate purchasers of
jewelry.
The
turquoise has been a favorite gem for centuries. Shylock wept over his
lost turquoise, and Mohammed's followers slaughtered Christians with
scimitars adorned on the hilts with turquoises engraved with the sacred
name of Allah.
The
only precious stone which defies imitation is the opal. This brilliant
gem, whose play of color is unequaled elsewhere in nature, is found in
Hungary and Honduras. It is a form of quartz with an admixture of water
and air in infinitesimal crevices. When moved about in the sunlight it
exhibits all the prismatic colors in such a variety, and with such
sudden and inexplicable whim, that it seems to possess a life within
itself. Large opals are rare, and have always been valued at very high
prices. There is an opal in the museum at Vienna valued at 250,000
dollars. Marc Antony is said to have sent a Roman Senator into exile
because he would not sell his opal ring which Antony desired. Unlike
the emerald and the sapphire or ruby, the opal looks best alone either
in ring or breastpin. Like the diamond it is its own best companion.
114
