By George F. Kuxz.
Mining during 1886. As s'tated in the previous reports of this series, the search for precious stones in the United States is extremely irregular and is generally a side issue in mining other substances. Still, at StonyPoint, North Carolina, and at Mount Mica, Paris, Maine, operations involving systematic mining are carried on for obtaining precious stones. At the former locality, which is controlled by the Emerald and Hiddenite Mining Company, nine emeralds were found which were valued at over $2,000. The large crystals, weighing 8f ounces, as well as the fine large lithia emerald, are now in the cabinet of Mr. Clarence S. Bement. The total production during 1880 amounted to perhaps $4,000. Particulars concerning this locality were given on page 437 of the last report of this series.
After three months of unsuccessful mining at Mount Mica, Paris, Maine, several pockets were found; one found in October contained cookite, decomposed feldspar, crystals of quartz, and, at the bottom, tourmalines either loose or embedded in the floor of the cavity. Over 100 crystals were obtained, which will furnish more than 200 gems. The entire find was estimated to yield cut tourmalines to the value of about $5,000, and crystals, specimens, and associated minerals to the value of another $1,000. Two of the gems cut from these crystals weighed 34J and 27\ carats, respectively. They were of a brilliant, rich grass-green color. Another gem of a deep blue-green color, and weighing 8 carats, oue greeu chrysoberyl of 7£ carats, several yellow and a variety of blue gems, but no red or pink stones, were obtained. Messrs. X. H. Perry and E. M. Bailey found good specimens of tourmaline, but they were of little gem value. Messrs. T. F. Lamb and G. C. Hatch mined for a time at the Mount Apatite locality, near Auburn, Maine, and found tourmaline gems and minerals to the value of $500. This locality will be further worked. Quite a large number of the yellow, green, and white beryls, found in Litchfield county, Connecticut, have been nicely cut and extensively sold. The cut gems sold during the past year are valued at $5,000, but a large part of this sum probably represents the cutting and other necessary expenses.
In connection with mining for substances, other than precious stones, many very considerable contributions have been made to the total output of gems. For example, at the mine of the Marion Bullion Company,
595
Flickr
Stumbleupon
Scribd
