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Sec. III, Ch. 4: The Saffire

Sec. III, Ch. 4: The Saffire Page of 366 Sec. III, Ch. 4: The Saffire Text size:minus plus Restore normal size   Mail page  Print this page
184
The Sapphire.
also those of Chiong Kawng, in the Lao States, near Burma. These Sapphire-deposits were discovered by seme Burmese Shan diggers in 1890. The gem-gravel is here from 5 to 18 inches thick, and is associated with basalt, from which the Sapphires were no doubt derived. Un­fortunately the Sapphires were mostly either too dark or too pale in colour, and it is believed that the workings are now nearly deserted.
BURMA SAPPHIRES.
It is well known that Sapphires are found, associated with Rubies, in Upper Burma, but they are not very common and are usually of a dark colour. When Mr· Atlay worked the Ruby mines for the author, before the formation of the Company, he frequently obtained Sap­phires in association with the Rubies. Mr. G. S. Streeter on one occasion visited a famous mine which had yielded Sapphires, but found it in a very dangerous condition, the surrounding rock at the top being so rotten that he had to be secured by means of ropes.
Although the Burmese Sapphires are not generally of very fine quality, they occur of larger size than the associated Rubies, and occasionally present exceptional dimensions. About 20 years ago, a Sapphire of 820 carats was found at Pyoung Goung (Bernardmyo), and was ex­hibited for some time as a curiosity at Kyat-Pyin. It was purchased by Gna Myo, then So Thugyi of Kyat-Pyin, for 4,000 rupees, and was accepted by King Theebaw, in lieu of a payment of monopoly rent of 10,000 rupees.
A Sapphire weighing nearly 400 carats, found at Bawbadan, was purchased by Oo-dwa-gyi, the Woon oi the Ruby tract, for 6,000 rupees, and after passing into Theebaw's possession, was sold to Moung Ba, a dealer in
Sec. III, Ch. 4: The Saffire Page of 366 Sec. III, Ch. 4: The Saffire
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