nated
hexagonal pyramids, often barrel-shaped by the occurrence of a number
of pyramidal planes of successively greater angle; and second, as
nodules of purer and clearer material, in the midst of larger masses of
ordinary cleavable corundum. These, when broken or falling out, are
sometimes taken for rolled pebbles, which they resemble. This latter,
and quite peculiar mode of occurrence is treated of somewhat in the
able paper on this mine, read by Prof. Eossiter W. Raymond, in May,
1876, before the American Institute of Mining Engineers, and published
in their Transactions.
In
regard to the relations of different kinds of corundum, Dr. Pratt
says:—" The corundum gem or sapphire localities are usually distinct
from corundum localities, although very handsome gems have been found
where corundum was mined for abrasive purposes, notably at the Corundum
Hill mine." 10
In 1874, Mr. C. W. Jenks read a paper on the occurrence of sapphires and rubies in situ in
corundum, at the Culsagee mine, before the Geological Society of
London; in this brief but important article he described the location
and mineralogical character of the mine, and the fact of the presence
of portions in the corundum of true gem quality. The paper attracted
much interest, and Prof. David Forbes said that great credit was due to
Mr. Jenks, and that he had " discovered the actual home " 'of the true
ruby and sapphire, which had never before been really traced to their
sources (see PI. I).
Some
years later, a London periodical made the statement that any one who
found the sapphire or the ruby in its original matrix would be called
the " King of Rubies," and that his fortune would be assurred. But such
is not always the result to those who deserve it. Mr. Jenks was
undoubtedly the original finder of the true corundum or sapphire gems
in place, and he obtained from this locality nearly all the fine
crystals of the best American collections. One of the most interesting
of these is a piece of blue corundum with a white band running across
it and a place in the center where a nodule had dropped out. This piece
was cut and put back in its place, and the white band can be seen
running across both gem and rock. (See colored PL 1.) Nearly all the
fine gems from Franklin, N. C, were brought to light by Mr. Jenks'
mining; but although found in their original matrix, they were of such
rare occurrence that it was found unprofitable to mine for them alone.
The work was subsequently suspended for some time in consequence of the
financial crisis of 1873, but resumed by the Hampden Emery Company.
