quartz,
were discovered in 1890 in New South Wales near the Queensland border.
Mines were opened and worked for some time, but proved unremunerative.
Emeralds
of good color exist in North Carolina. Much money has been expended on
a mine where the crystals are fairly abundant, but, as none of them are
transparent, work has been discontinued. The crystals have the
appearance of being in process of alteration.
Aquamarine,
like the emerald, is a beryl. The composition, crystallization,
hardness, and specific gravity are the same. Unlike the emerald,
however, the crystals run large and remarkably free from flaws. Cut
pieces without noticeable imperfections, of ten to twenty carats and
over, are not uncommon. It is almost colorless, the usual tint being
green. Of late, considerable quantities have been mined in North
Carolina having a bluish tint, and these are esteemed more than the
green. Cutters find the crystal very deceptive in the matter of color.
Specimens showing good color in the rough often appear almost colorless
after cutting. This is most frequently the case with those found in
Connecticut. The color of the aquamarine comes probably from the
inclusion of a very small quantity of oxide of iron. It is a beautiful
night stone, being very brilliant under artificial light.
Golden
beryl is a yellow variety of the same stone. The crystals are not
usually as large as the aquamarine, but it is also very free from
imperfections. Some of a very beautiful rich color are found
occasionally in North Carolina, but the supply is uncertain and
irregular.
