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186 The Sapphire.
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the
crystals was published, soon after the discovery, by Mr. F. R. Mallet,
in the Records of the Geological Survey of India. He pointed out that
the crystals were mostly double hexagonal pyramids, often irregular in
shape, much flattened, and deeply furrowed with horizontal striations.
A large number were milky, and of pale bluish-grey colour» while many
were rendered imperfect by " silkiness." The Sapphires were in many
cases penetrated by dark brown and green Tourmaline. Specimens
preserved in the author's collection of rough Precious Stones exhibit
these characters.
Some
of the Cashmere Sapphires are of very fine » colour, but many are
depreciated in value by a slight opacity, and are streaky in a strong
light.
The
discovery of Sapphires in Cashmere is said to have taken place in this
wise. Near the spot where the stones are found lived a " Bhôt Lamba,"
or monk, who first observed a pale blue vein in the rock. He broke off
pieces and exchanged them with traders for sugar and tobacco, carefully
concealing from whence he obtained his treasures. Subsequently he
disposed of a quantity to some Lahul men, who took them to Simla. One
piece said to have been about a foot long and three or four inches in
circumference, he was persuaded to give to one of his brotherhood, in
order to have a " Shib " or idol made of it. A lapidary who was to make
it into an idol, finding it extremely hard, came to the conclusion it
must be of value; and showed it to an official, who decided to send it
to the Maharajah of Cashmere, at Jummoo. On enquiry being made, a
messenger was despatched to bring the Lamba who found the stone, and he
was forced to disclose the locality where he obtained it. The Maharajah
immediately sent a responsible official and a strong guard to protect
the place, until the actual value of the discovery should be known.
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