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Chemical Analysis of Precious Stones

Chemical Analysis of Precious Stones Page of 453 Weights and patterns of famous Diamonds, &c Text size:minus plus Restore normal size   Mail page  Print this page
THE CHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF PRECIOUS STONES. 413
ZIRCON.
Combination of zirconia and silica.
Primary form a rhomboidal octahedron, modified like the diamond, but all its angles set obliquely.
II. SELLING PRICE OF PRECIOUS STONES.
Cellini estimates their comparative value, in his Orificeria, as follows, for stones of the first quality :—
The gold scudo (8 to the ounce Roman) was equal to nine shillings in intrinsic value, and not much more in its current in Italy, at that time (1560) the richest country in Europe : a point clearly established by Carli (Zecche Italiane) as regards the preceding century.
In the modern trade ά perfect Ruby, exceeding one carat, is still far higher priced than the Diamond. I have myself seen one of 3 carats, for which 300/. had been given : a Diamond of the same weight, according to the rule, would sell for no more than 902. And I was informed on the best authority that a Ruby of still finer quality, weighing only 11 grains, had recently fetched 1100 l., or 1002. per grain ! This being so, the estimate De Root gives of Rudolf II.'s Ruby, viz. 60,000 ducats (30,000 l.), falls far below its present value. It was as large as a small hen's egg, and of perfect quality, and came into his possession through his sister, queen-dowager of France. The king of Ava actually possesses one of the same magnitude, and, according to report, a perfect stone, which he wears for an eardrop : a somewhat burdensome decoration.
Emeralds and Sapphires are now equalised in value, selling for 32. per carat when fine. But pale stones of either sort cannot be said to have any definite value in the trade.
For the Pearl : Barbot fixes the price of a perfect one, a carat in weight, at 50 frs. (2 l.)
The value of the Turquois bears an analogy to that of the Diamond in the rapidity with which it mounts up as the magnitude of the stone
Chemical Analysis of Precious Stones Page of 453 Weights and patterns of famous Diamonds, &c
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