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Opal

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OWAROVITE.                                    161
It is met with in veins along with the Oriental opal, in argillaceous porphyry, and sometimes in metalliferous ridges. The opal in general cuts gmooth and full, whether in an oval lenticular form or as a drop.
Fine opals are always set clear, as those set other­wise easily deceive the eye. It is well known that black increases very much the natural or artificial fire of the opal ; and this is so well known, that sets of opals in commerce are always presented on a smooth, bright black card.
The common opal is of very little value ; the Mexican red is of less ; and the Oriental is very much esteemed.
The opal was well known to, and appreciated by the ancients.
Pliny tells us that it was found only in India.
Everybody knows that the Roman senator Nunio preferred enduring the penalties of exile rather than yield a very beautiful opal to the rapacious Mark Antony.
The Indians valued it as much as the diamond.
This gem does not take engraving well.
LXXIII.
OWAROVITE.
A sort of garnet thus named in honour of one Owaro-vit, President of the Imperial Academy of Science at
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Opal Page of 243 Ovarovite
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