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Ch. 6: Beryl (Emerald, Aquamarine), Chrysoberyl, Phenacite, & Euclase

Ch. 6: Beryl (Emerald, Aquamarine), Chrysoberyl, Phenacite, & Euclase Page of 364 Ch. 7: Quartz Group - Opal, Rock Crystals, Amethysts, Rose Quartz, Agate, etc. Text size:minus plus Restore normal size   Mail page  Print this page
UNITED STATES, CANADA AND MEXICO                         105
which were then considered rare are now so plentiful that they are quoted at one-tenth to one-hundredth of their former prices. The best zircon locality in North Carolina is on the old Mere­dith Freeman Estate, Green River, Henderson County. It was leased for twenty-five years by Gen. Thomas L. Clingman of that State, who, as early as 1869, mined 1,000 pounds of zircon, and during that whole period never lost faith in the incandescent properties of zirconia ; but when these were proved and acknowl­edged, through some legal difficulties General Clingman had for­feited his leases, and hence failed to reap his reward. The Henderson County, N. C, and Anderson County, S. C, zircon
ZIRCON
is found in large quantities, loose in the soil, as the result of the decomposition of a feldspathic rock. The crystals are generally remarkable for their perfection, are distinct in each locality, and weigh occasionally several ounces. The recent demand has also brought to light the existence of enormous quantities of zircon in the Ural Mountains and in Norway. Though very large crystals, some weighing 15 pounds, have been found in Canada (Renfrew and the adjoining counties), they are so isolated that it would be impossible to obtain a supply there. The new demand has brought together more than 25 tons of zircon; and this min­eral may prove of considerable value, for the earth it contains can be used as a refractory material for crucibles and furnaces. As new processes have cheapened and made available aluminum and magnesium, so zirconium may yet be called into use.
Ch. 6: Beryl (Emerald, Aquamarine), Chrysoberyl, Phenacite, & Euclase Page of 364 Ch. 7: Quartz Group - Opal, Rock Crystals, Amethysts, Rose Quartz, Agate, etc.
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