man, named Heraclis, with one of tliese stones, in gratitude for her kindness to it in curing a fractured leg.
The
spinel is cut on an iron wheel, with emery or diamond powder, and
polished on a copper one; the form is generally the " mixed cut." The
colour of this gem frequently becomes more deep and intensified by
being carefully heated.
The
value of the spinel, or balas rubies, is extremely uncertain and
variable. At times they are much sought after for the Eastern markets,
and then command a considerable price; on other occasions they are
worth comparatively little. As an instance, a stone weighing 40
carats, of good quality and clear, was sold in 1856 for £ 400; in 1862, it realized by public auction £ 80 and was lately sold for £ 240. The present value of spinels varies from 10s. to £ 8 per
carat; but it is impossible to say what the intrinsic worth of this gem
may be, or what one would fetch, as the value is fictitious, dependent
entirely on caprice and fashion.
