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272 NATURAL HISTORY OF GEMS.
shells to which their origin is due, and could not possibly have represented stars to the imaginative Chaldeans, the givers of its name.
Eut
as India is designated the " sole mother " of the precious Opal, the
Hindoo lapidaries must have been acquainted with the matrix also of the
gem, and from its enormous value have been inspired with the notion of
thus utilising its minutest particles under the high-sounding title of
" Sandaster."
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