a
7 per cent increase in value for rough material. The increase of
imports of rough diamonds is the first substantial one in three years,
and indicates, it is hoped, an expansion of the cutting industry in
this country; but there is room for a larger field of work for the
industry, not only in cutting smaller stones, but in cutting a larger
portion of the stones imported for consumption.
The
demand for domestic fresh-water pearls has been strong, and the
production large, but it can not bo accurately given. They came chiefly
from the Mississippi Valley region. A portion of the production has
been exported, and in return there has been an importation of nearly
two and a half million dollars' worth.
AMBER.
BURMA.
The production of amber0 in the Myitkyina district of Burma was considerabhr
greater in 1905 than in 1904, owing, it is said, to the peaceful
condition of the country. The value, however, fell from £9 15s. to £7
10s. per hundredweight, owing to the increased output and the inferior
quality of the material. The production in 1905 was 126 hundredweight,
valued at £945, as against 86 hundredweight, valued at £838, in 1904.
AZUR1TE SANDSTONE, UTAH.
A
small specimen of rich deep-blue azurite sandstone from La Sal
district, Utah, was sent to the Survey by Mr. F. G. Hillman, of New
Bedford, Mass. It is thought the stone might be useful for finishing
doorways or similar ornamental purposes. The texture as a sandstone
would probably prohibit its use in small ornaments, since it would be
difficult to give the stone a high polish. The deposit is located 70
miles from a railroad station, and is in a mountainous district.
Should it prove attractive and a demand arise for it, it is said that a
supply of this stone could be obtained, though as yet it has not been
quarried in any quantity.
BERYL.
NORTH CAROLINA.
In
North Carolina the American Gem and Pearl Company operated their
aquamarine mine at Spruce Pine, Mitchell County, during part of the
year. It is said that the gem-bearing portion of the pegmatite is too
irregular in direction and contents to pay the cost of mining.
Aquamarine
and golden beryl of very fine clear color have been found from time to
time in the South Mountains in Burke County. Most of the material has
been obtained from near the surface and was, in many cases, somewhat
flawed, though stones of fair size have been found.
