canic,
and that a subsequent deposition of the material cemented it into its
present form. Like aragonite, it is susceptible of a high polish, the
difference between the two being that in the onyx the straight bands of
color of the aragonite are broken and disseminated throughout the mass,
making its general effect even more pleasing and brilliant than that of
the latter. It can easily be cut into thin slabs, and makes beautiful
tops for ornamental tables and bureaus. It is often cut into solid
columns and used for pedestals for busts or statuary.
Specimens
of a very remarkable amber have occasionally been brought by travelers,
for the last fifteen or twenty years, from some locality in southern
Mexico. The only information gained concerning it is that it is brought
to the coast by natives, who say that it occurs in the interior so
plentifully that it is used by them for making fires. The color of this
amber is a rich golden-yellow, and when viewed in different positions,
it exhibits a remarkable fluorescence, similar to that of uranine,
which it also resembles in color. A specimen in the possession of
Martius T. Lynde measures 4x3x2
inches, is perfectly transparent, and is even more beautiful than the
famous so-called opalescent or green amber found in Catania, Sicily.
This material would be extremely valuable for use in the arts.
Amber
was formerly used as incense by the Aztecs, and fragments have been
found on the altars of ancient temples, also in the Catholic churches
in early Mexico.
