My
prospecting has proved these gems to exist in a narrow belt run-ning
east and west, and scattered over a distance of t lure miles; in this
belt signs of cross-fissures are very abundant, and it is a very common
occurrence to find crystals of beryl, quartz, rutile, etc.. perfectly
pre-served, scattered over the surface soil.
In
regard to the commercial value of the North Carolina emerald it should
be stated that the majority of the crystals have had little value for
gem purposes; as cabinet specimens they were unprecedented, and as such
had ready sale at prices ranging from 825 to 61.0(H)
each. The best cut stones did not exceed in value much above $32 per
carat. From the largest crystals gems could have been cut, but as
scientific specimens the crystals in their entirety had greater value.
The smallest crystals have thus far had the best color, and have
furnished the purest gems. It may be interesting to note that the
entire expenses of the work at this locality, done under the writer's
supervision, have been more than repaid by the sales of gems and
crystals discovered there.
HIDDENITE-THE NEW EMERALD-GREEN GEM,
By W. E. Hidden.
This
new variety of spodumene was unexpectedly discovered in the manner
described in the foregoing section. It was named by Prof. J. Lawrence
Smith, of Louisville, Kentucky, who was the first to determine its
true chemical nature, (a)
Crystals
of spodumene, quite transparent, of a pale yellowish-green color, had
been found in the surface soil some five years ago, before the
discovery of this gem variety was made, but they were so rare and
unattractive as to receive only passing attention; so much did they
resemble the pyroxene found at Traversella, Switzerland, that they
passed under the name of diopside. Their mode of occurrence is
precisely that of the emeralds at the same locality. Hiddenites and
emeralds are found intimately associated, but one or the other always
predominates in number; there will be many crystals of hiddenite and
only a few emeralds, or vice versa.
The
color of hiddenite is emerald green, of various shades, deepest and
richest when viewed through the longest axis, and verging more on the
yellow shades of the emerald, when examined through the prism. The gems
usually are of a delightful green, which is distinct from that of the
emerald, having more liquid brilliancy and fire. They rarely contain
flaws. The rough mineral occurs as 'slender prisms, with d color
generally more intense at one of the extremities. The largest crystal
yet found is 2-1/2 inches long. The largest cut gem weighed about 2-1/2
carats. The prismatic cleavage is remarkably perfect, yielding
surfaces of the highest luster; this feature is a source of trouble to
the
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