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PRECIOUS STONES.
1233
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was
not entirely without cleavage cracks, however. The greenish material
had a pale aquamarine color, nearly clear, though rather badly
fractured. This spodumene was obtained near the surface, and it is
hoped flawless material will be found with depth.
Hiddenite
has also been reported from the Pala Chief Mining Company mines near
Mesa Grande, San Diego County, Cal. The quality was not described, and,
since no specimens were seen, it is not known whether this was the
genuine emerald-green material, such as was found in North Carolina, or
spodumene of a paler color, similar to that found in other gem mines of
San Diego County.
TOURMALINE.
CALIFORNIA AND MAINE.
The
tourmaline deposits of California and Maine are described in the notes
on the gem stones and industry of these States (pp. 27-33).
COLORADO.
Some
of the tourmaline deposits near Canyon, in the vicinity of Royal Gorge,
Colorado, have been opened by Mr. C. A. Beghtol, of Canyon. The
developments consist chiefly of open cuts, though a shaft is being sunk
at one place. Some very fine pink, green, and lavender colored
tourmaline crystals are reported to have been found along with other
minerals of interest as specimens if not as gems. Among the latter are
tourmalinated quartz, beryl, some of aquamarine variety, and amazon
stone. The mines only commenced to produce stones of value toward the
close of 1906 and during the first part of the present year.
CONNECTICUT.
Dr.
S. Ward Loper, of Wesleyan University, reports a new discovery of
green tourmaline near the north line of Portland County, Conn. About 50
large crystals of a rich deep-green color, along with about 50 of
inferior quality, were obtained from the prospect. The stones were not
clear enough for use as gems, and were valued at about $15. Most of the
material was secured for the Wesleyan Museum. Some 200 specimens of
pink, green, and yellow tourmalines, valued at about $50, were received
from the Haddam Neck locality. This represents nearly the whole
production of Haddam during the year.
INDIA.
Tourmaline is mined in Upper Burma,0 south of the ruby mines district. The production in 1905 amounted to 161 pounds, valued at
£1,500.
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aRec. Geol. Survey India, vol. 34, pt. 2, 1906, p. 66.
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