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Oriental Ruby

Rubellite Page of 243 Oriental Ruby Text size:minus plus Restore normal size   Mail page  Print this page
RUBY.
189
The specific gravity of the Oriental ruby, greater than that of all other gems, is from 3.900 to 4.2833. When analysed it yields
When rubbed it becomes electric, and remains so for a considerable time.
The best Oriental rubies come from China and India. They are found in the island of Ceylon, in the moun­tains of Capelan, in Pegù, ten days' journey from Syrian, at Cambaja, and at Lahore. Those from China are procured in the mountains of the province of Ya-nan.
The mines of Burmah, which produce the best, have been known for many centuries. Being a government monopoly, they are rigorously guarded, and no European can even see them. It is said that the king of that country possesses some of the most beautiful, and he numbers amongst his titles that of Lord of the Rubies.
When the superintendent in those mines sends notice to the Court of the discovery of an extraordinary gem, the king orders an immense and sumptuous procession of soldiers, lords, and elephants to go and take it.
The rubies of Ceylon, which are those most prized, are gathered on the shore of a river which flows to Sittivacca.
The red corundums of Australia, hitherto found, are of a bad quality. None have yet been found in America.
Rubellite Page of 243 Oriental Ruby
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