in
all mountain ranges, nor in all formations of mountains. The most
valuable are found in such ranges as are considered the oldest in the
world; such as are composed of granite, porphyry, and mica-slate.
Sometimes they occur imbedded in the mass of the rock; at other times,
growing, as it were on the surface. When they are thus found in the
very rocks where they were originally formed, they are said to be in
their primeval bed. Many, however, are found far from their primal home
in a derivative or secondary bed, in diluvial or alluvial
soils, and in the gravels and sands of river-beds. This last mode of
occurrence is the most frequent for the finer precious stones. Far
removed from their native home by the force of heavy rains and rushing
torrents, they have been loosened and carried onwards, rounded by
frictiorj against the dehris with which they have been accompanied in
their course. It is by their hardness and density that they are
preserved, and many even retain traces of their original crystalline
form.
In
Ceylon, India, Brazil, Australia, California, the Ural, Siberia, and
South Africa—from which countries the great majority of our precious
stones. are obtained—the most usual way in which they occur is in these
derivative beds; and it is interesting to notice how various kinds of
precious stones are found in the same locality, forming as it were a
noble society of gems, stil more illustrious by their association with
gold and platinum.
The
trade in precious stones is much more important now than formerly.
Before the discovery of America, India was the great emporium. Pegu,
famous for its beautiful gems of all kinds, received yearly a very
large sum far its. exports. So also did Ceylon, from which island we
even' now obtain a large portion of our coloured precious stones.
During the dynasty of the Kandyan Rulers, the right of digging for
precious stones was most jealously guarded as a royal prerogative, and
the inhabitants of particular villages under the supervision of
hereditary overseers were occupied in the search for gems. Under the
British Government this monopoly was given up, and traders needed nq
"special permit."
A
number of men are constantly employed in this exciting and precari^
oris business; and the idle and disorderly adventurers who visit the
villages. are the cause of great immorality among the inhabitants. The
results of their labours they sell to the Malays who come to Saffragam
with cloth and salt, which they exchange for precious stones. At the
yearly Buddha festival, there is a jewel market held in Ratnapura,
whither those interested in jewels flock from all parts of Ceylon.
The
position of - the people in Saffragam is so much improved of late years
that they are able to retain any stones they find of great worth for
themselves, Now and then they are induced to exchange them for gold,
which they carj easily well conceal. The artificers who cut and polish
the stones on the spot are generally Malays: but their work is so
imperfect, and their knowledge of the art so faulty, that the stone
positively loses by passing through their hands. Stones of smaller
value, such as cinnamon-stone, garnets and tourmaline are cut and
polished by ordinary workmen in Kindy, Matara, and Galle. Artistic and
experienced workmen who cut rubies and sapphires live chiefly in
Kalutara and Colombo,
As
a general rule, the rare gems are cheaper in Europe than in Colombo,
Precious stones are brought from all parts of the world to London both
in the rough and also to be re cut. In Ceylon the stock is so
uncertain, that the price is largely determined at the moment by the
rank and wealth of the buyers,'. The small Malay dealers do not buy
rare and fine jewels, knowing quite 'well that the best and finest
spec'mi >ns are careful!) held back by the rich traders, who can
always ensure a high price for tne best Ceylon stones from the native
princes of India, who have an ardent passion for gems of conspicuous,
beauty or size.
It is quite impossible to judge accurately by the Customs' Register in
