|
GEMS AND PRECIOUS STONES.
|
1053
|
||
|
|
|||
|
found
on the surface. The crystals from the vein range in size from that of a
portion of a large needle to a broken specimen measuring seven-eighths
of an inch thick and nearly 5 inches long. Some of these emeralds have
fairly well developed crystal faces, but the majority are roughly
striated and pitted, though retaining a rude hexagonal outline. In some
specimens no trace of crystal form remains. As usual with emeralds,
only small pieces are free of flaws and imperfections. Many crystals
contain slight checks across their length, and in some the flaws lie at
all angles. Some stones are cloudy and others contain fine internal
striations or silkiness. Stones in which this is pronounced give a
fine-cat's-eye effect when tipped to and fro. Small crystals have been
found that will cut practically flawless stones up to one-half carat in
weight, and even in such small gems a flawless emerald of good color is
very rare. The quality of many of the emeralds can not be judged from
their external appearance, as the exterior is badly striated and by
reflection of the light makes the stone appear both of lighter color
and more imperfect than it really is. The average of the emeralds from
the Turner mine has been pronounced equal in quality to the average run
of Colombian emeralds, and New York dealers are beginning to recognize
the beauty of the North Carolina gem.
Mr.
Fraser has furnished an estimate of the total quantity of emeralds
obtained from the Turner mine along with notes on a few of the gems cut
from vein material. The exact weight could not be given, as some of the
stones were cut and sold before tho property came into his charge. In
all about 2,700 carats of rough stones have been found. So far over 200
carats of gems have been cut and to judge from the yield in cutting,
about 700 carats of cut gems ought to be obtained from the 2,700 carats
of rough material. From the rough material selected as fit to cut, the
yield of gems has been about one-third. The cut gems have been valued
at $5 to $200 per carat wholesale, and a moderate estimate of the
average value would be $15 per carat.
One
lot of 27 cut stones ranging up to over a carat in weight, seen by the
writer, contained some fine stones. One of these with a table cut,
weighing 0.83 carat, was a fine, clear, dark-green gem with only a
slight flaw. This stone has been variously estimated by lapidaries and
dealers as worth from $125 to $200. Reputable lapidaries valued it at
about $200 per carat. Other stones in this lot are worth up to $90
p
er carat, but some
would probably not bring over $10 to $25 per carat. Mr. Fraser mentions
a lot of smaller gems, chiefly about one-fourth of a carat in weight,
but some at least half a carat, which are brilliant, very clear and
clean, and of good green color." One oblong faceted stone of about 1
carat has a good color, is clear, and is not badly flawed. It is
considered one of the best gems found. Another fairly clear and fairly
brilliant gem weighing 2-1/4 carats and having a good color has been
classed by a lapidary as one of the most important gems. An attractive
gem is a long tapering drop weighing 20 carats. It has an excellent
color and is clear in spots.
Before
taking up the discussion of the geologic occurrence of the emerald a
few notes on its nature and modes of occurrence at other localities
will be given for comparison with the new locality.
Emerald
is a variety of the mineral beryl. Beryl is a silicate of aluminum and
beryllium containing a small per cent of water. Small
|
|||
|
|
|||