INTRODUCTION.
The
principal gem mineral mined in the United States during 1912 was
Montana sapphire, of which there was a large output for use both as
gems and in mechanical applications. The greater part of the gem
sapphires came from the mines in Fergus County, where they occur in a
rock matrix. The majority of these stones have the true sapphire-blue
color. The bulk of the sapphire for mechanical use came from the placer
deposits in Granite and Deer Lodge counties and consists of varicolored
stones.
The
development of the opal deposits of Humboldt County, Nev., was attended
with much success, and a quantity of magnificent gem material was
obtained. The opal is of an unusual type, consisting of dark
translucent mineral with a variety of rich colors. The deposits promise
to supply a gem equal if not superior in beauty to the opal from
Australia.
Prospecting
and mining at the emerald mine in North Carolina were attended with
only partial success. Two pockets or deposits of emerald were removed
during the year; other developments consisted mainly of exploratory
work, which has continued into 1913.
The
tourmaline output of southern California was small, but some
magnificent specimen crystals were obtained. Especially fine gem
crystals of kunzite were found and brought good prices. The production
of turquoise was very small, compared with some previous years.
Beautiful amethyst was found in Warren County, N. C, and some fine gems
have been cut from sample crystals. A few fine specimens of golden
beryl were obtained from prospects in Alexander County, N. C. Beautiful
gems were cut from some of these. The production of agate and
associated varieties of chalcedony was again targe in several Western
States.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS.
Acknowledgment
has been made in many places in the following report for courtesies and
assistance rendered by different persons. It is not possible to name
all of those who have supplied information, such as statistics of
production and names of new producers, but such help is highly
appreciated. Other persons have assisted either by supplying or
exhibiting specimens and information, and further acknowledgment is
here given to the following, who have been especially kind in this
way: Maj. W. A. Graham, of Raleigh, N. C; J. H.
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