Domestic production.—Although
so many varieties of gem stoues are known to occur in the United
States, many of which afford fine specimens, while a few valuable
stones are exclusively indigenous, the annual output is still very
small in comparison with the prospective extent of the field. It is
impossible to obtain exact statistics of the product, but an extensive
correspondence with experts and dealers justifies an estimate of
between $50,000 and $60,000 as the sales in 1882 of cut gem stones of
domestic production, exclusive of the gold quartz souvenirs, which
should be credited to precious metal mining. The value of the stones
before cutting was much less—probably little above $10,000, as about
four-fifths of the market value of the stones represents the
enhancement due to cutting. This applies more strictly to the common
gem stones; and in the case of agates and moss-agates the value of the
uncut stones is often not one per cent, of the price of the gems after
cutting. The amount stated as the value of uncut stoues is of those
sold to be cut; besides which, as shown in the accompanying paper by
Mr. Kunz, there are sales of small amounts, to tourists and collectors,
of stones which are valued merely as specimens, and which do not reach
the gem market.
Few
persons are familiar with the appearance of gem stones in their native
state; so that while quartz pebbles are often mistaken for rough
diamonds, garnets for rubies, ilmenite for black diamonds, etc., on the
other hand it is quite probable that many valuable occurrences have
escaped notice. The competition of the cheap foreign cutting is also a
disadvantageous factor.
Imports and re-exports.—The
following tables showthe values of foreign stones imported and
re-exported during a series of years. They probably include small
quantities of American stones, as these are sometimes cut. in Europe
and thus lose their identity.
Precious stones imported into the United States during the fiscal years specified {specie values).
