In
Queensland the sapphire is found near the central part of the State,
around Anakie. The deposits occur over a wide area, but are confined
chiefly to the granite country. A quartzite rock, locally known as
"billy," is generally associated with the sapphires. It occurs in large
and small bowlders and is sometimes called sapphire gravel, its
presence being considered a favorable sign.
The
sapphire wash varies from a few inches to several feet in thickness
and usually rests on decomposed schists and slates. The bottom of the
wash is generally composed of clay, and there is sometimes more than
one layer of gravel, with clay interbedded. Sometimes the deposits are
extremely thick, but the large size of the bowlders makes it
unprofitable to sink through them without hoisting machinery. The
sapphires are extracted from the wash by simple methods. The gravel is
either washed in sieves or is put through a dry jigger when a dry
deposit is being worked. In the wet washing the clean gravel is
generally thrown out on a table of bark and the sapphires are picked
out; in the dry method the stones are picked by hand out of the sieves.
The
output of sapphires for 1904 was estimated at 14,100 ounces, valued at
.£10,575, or 15s. per ounce. There is much discontent among the miners
at the low prices received for their sapphires. Attemps to establish a
regular trade with Europe and America failed, as the dealers said there
was no market for the Australian stones at the prices demanded. Special
agent H. R. Burrill," however, claims that the Queensland sapphires are
of fine quality, especially the limpid yellow stones and some of the
green ones, which approach the emerald in color.
According
to Consul F. W. Goding (New South Wales), also, sapphires of yellow
and green color are found in Queensland equal to those of any locality.
Recently $1,250 was offered for a rough yellow sapphire, and a large
blue one with a yellow center, weighing 2-1/2 ounces, brought $2,500.
True rubies of good color, though small, have been found also.
SODALITE.
CANADA.
Sodalite
is not only used for ornamental purposes, but is sometimes found in
smaller masses with a color rivaling that of the lapis lazuli, and it
is then cut as a gem. The deposits near Bancroft, county of Hastings,
Ontario, have been developed, and a quantity of material has been taken
out for decorative purposes.
SPODUMENE.
MAINE.
Mr.
F. G. Hillman, of New Bedford, Mass., has reported the discovery of
lilac-colored spodumene, or kunzite, as well as some with a greenish
color, called hiddenite by the informant, at Andover, Oxford County,
Me. A cleavage specimen sent to the Survey measured 12 by 10 by 3-1/2 millimeters, and had a very pretty clear lilac color. It
