Sec. IV, Ch. 31: Semi-Precious Stones, Rock Crystal

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	Rock Crystal.	293

	In the clear cavities of the snow-white marble of Carrara, in Tuscany, Rock Crystal is found in great purity. Ceylon affords it abundantly ; and Madagascar supplies large blocks ; but it is from Brazil that our chief commercial supply is obtained, much of it being imported for the use of the optician, who cuts and polishes it in the form of spectacle lenses, which are known as " pebbles." In this country Rock Crystal of small sire is not uncommon, and has been occasionally used as an ornamental stone, under the local name of " Diamond," such as " Bristol Diamonds," " Irish Diamonds," and " Isle of Wight Diamonds." These are of no value whatever. The Greeks valued Rock Crystal for its purity and regular form. Pliny mentions several times in his Natural History, that the Romans were well acquainted with its habitat in the Alps, and that they employed it largely for household luxury and adornment. Nero possessed two very beautiful drinking cups, one of which cost him a sum equal to £600. When he heard of the loss of his kingdom' he is said to have broken them in anger. The Roman physicians used Crystal balls as lenses, in order to burn out sores ; and spheres of Rock Crystal have been used, even in modern times, for divination. ROCK CRYSTAL.

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