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Ch. 14: Pearl

Ch. 14: Pearl Page of 501 Ch. 15: Onyx Text size:minus plus Restore normal size   Mail page  Print this page
AGATES.                                     311
oxide of nickel; this last stone is found in Silesia. Agates are got largely from Uruguay, and sent from thence to Oberstein, near Mayence, where the cutting, and polishing of such silicious stones forms almost the sole industry of the locality. Coming from South America, these Stones are known in the trade as " Brazilian Agates." Likewise Agates are commonly obtained from Germany ; also from Scotland, as Scotch Pebbles. The name " Agate " is derived, according to Theophrastus, from the river " Achates," in Sicily, (now called Drillo), from whence these stones were first brought. The Hyacinth (Jacinth), and the Amethyst, are varieties of Quartz, in common with the other Agates. The Rabbins translated " Shebo," their name for an Agate, as " Hyacinth." Again, the " Cat's-eye " is another Chalcedonic variety of Quartz ; though the true " Cat's-eye" (Chrysoberyl) is often called " Chrysolite Cat's-eye," being actually a much more beautiful gem. The " Cat's-eye" has obtained its name from possessing a peculiar opalescent lustre, partly resinous, and partly vitreous, which shows best when the stone is cut " en cabochon " Then, if held towards the light, it seems to resemble the contracted pupil of a cat's eye; this singular effect being caused by fibres of " amanthoid asbestos" running parallel across the stone, which is generally translucent, some­times quite transparent, and very easily broken. It is a compound of Alumina and glucina, with varying proportions of oxide of iron. The Agate was formerly in great request among the Romans, because of its reputed medicinal, and talismanic properties. When powdered, and mixed with water, it was said to counteract the venom of serpents. Pliny quotes the Magii as
Ch. 14: Pearl Page of 501 Ch. 15: Onyx
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