3i2
PRECIOUS STONES.
specimens to enrich the cabinets of the world. Both the
Russian and the Austrian consuls visited the spot and obtained
a supply for the museums of St. Petersburg and Vienna. It
was supposed in 1865, writes Mr. Hamlin, that the mine, which
had been worked to the depth of six feet, had been exhausted,
but recent excavations have revealed new cavities holding
broken crystals. One of these contained a very remarkable
group, which suggested the possibility that there may be still
unexplored mines to reward the labors of any one who will
diligently seek for them. The mining has been resumed, and
the yield in 1882 amounted to more than two thousand dollars.
The entire quantity of stones suitable for gems obtained from
this region would, it is conjectured, amount to a sum between fifty and seventy thousand dollars.
There has been found a large number of tourmalines at Mt.
Apatite, in the vicinity of Lewiston and Auburn, in the same
state, differing, however, in general appearance from those discovered in other places, and of lighter colors. Nearly fifteen
hundred specimens have been taken from this deposit, embracing colorless varieties, and the light shades of pink, blue,
brown, and green ; the crystals are generally three, six, and
nine sided prisms.
The commercial value of this species of precious stone, except for optical purposes, is small compared with many others,
but when it is employed in jewelry, the dark-green specimens
are the most desirable.
The Turquoise. —The name of this mineral, it is said, was
given to the species on account of its having been introduced
into Europe from India through Turkey, a statement suggesting doubt, since Persia is its chief native place, where it is
found in the veins of clay-slate crossing the mountains in all
directions. The best quality comes from Khorassan, though
