some
of the component crystals there was a want of continuity, giving rise
to an aperture which looked like an artificial perforation through the
stone.
The
occasional discovery of a very fine Ruby, is recorded in the annals of
Burma mining. " Gnaga Boh," or The Dragon Lord, is the name given to a
Ruby found at Bawbadan, weighing in the rough 44 carats, and when cut
20 carats. This stone, which is said to be the finest of its size ever
seen, was given by the finder to King Tharawadis.
Another
very fine stone, weighing in the rough 100 carats, was found on
Pingudoung Hill soon after Thee-baw ascended the throne, and was
presented to him by Oo-dwa-gee, at that time Woon of the Ruby Mining
district. Asseverai "royal rubies" have at various times been found on
this hill, the Company established workings there, which gave at first
much promise of success, but afterwards turned out very disappointing.
The
two most important Rubies ever known in Europe, were brought to this
country during the year 1875. One was a rich coloured stone,
cushion-shaped, weighing 37 carats ; the other, a blunt, drop shape, of
47 carats.
It
was deemed advisable to have these stones re-cut ; and the work was
entrusted to the late Mr. J. N. Forster, of London, who re-cut the
stone of 37 carats to 32-5/16, and the one of 47 carats to 38-9/16.
They were much improved thereby, and competent judges pronounced them
the finest stones of their size yet seen, the colour being truly
magnificent The smaller stone of the two was sold abroad for £10,000 ;
the larger one found a purchaser on the Continent for £20,000. The
fact of two such fine gems appearing contemporaneously is unparalleled
in the history of Precioui Stones in Europe. It is questionable,
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