XXI
STONES SELDOM USED AS JEWELS
There are
minerals unfit, as generally found, for use as gems, which occasionally
occur with the necessary qualifica-, tions. These suggest the
possibility of finding perfect specimens in greater quantities.
Others, though interesting, beautiful, and rare, are not as beautiful
as similar stones found in abundance. Many minerals which cut to opaque
stones are useful only for ornamentation, being abundant and not
sufficiently prized to use as jewels. Some of these come into vogue
occasionally and are sought for their adaptability to a prevailing
style, as, for instance, chrysocolla, thulite, azurite, and malachite,
which are now being used for pendants and brooch settings. Many of
exceeding beauty do not come into general knowledge and appreciation
because the supply is fitful and uncertain; for instance, the fine
tourmalines of Maine, the blue variety of aquamarine, the deep golden
beryls of North Carolina, and the beautiful green diopsides of New York
State.
For
these reasons and because public interest in unique and hitherto
unknown varieties is awakening, the following list of minerals, having
some if not all the qualifications of precious stones, is appended.
Allanite
is an opaque, bright, black mineral, brittle, very similar to epidote,
and with a greenish streak. Hardness, 5.5 to 6; specific gravity, 3.3
to 4.2. It is of little value as a gem.
Amazon-stone
is a beautiful green stone first discovered on the banks of the Amazon
River, later in Siberia. It is now found also in Scotland and Colorado.
It is usually dis-
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