I.
The Pearl stands pre-eminent. It is true that this substance,
being the product of a mollusc or shell-Ash, is not strictly a mineral.
It is, however, so intimately related in many ways with the family of
true precious stones that it properly claims a place in any
classification such as that under discussion.
II.
In the second class, and therefore at the head of the group of
Precious Stones proper, stands beyond all doubt the Ruby.
III.
Then comes the Diamond. Many readers may be surprised to find
the Diamond taking so subordinate a rank; but the time has gone by when
this stone could claim a supreme position in the market. At the present
day, the Jagersfontein Mine, in South Africa, produces Diamonds of pure
water rivalling the finest stones that were ever brought to light from
mines of India or of Brazil.
IV.
In the fourth class comes first the Emerald, then the Sapphire,
next the Oriental Cat's-Eye, and afterwards the Precious Opal.
V.
In the fifth class may be placed such stones as the Alexandrite,
the Jacinth, the Oriental Onyx, the Peridot, the Topaz, and the Zircon.
Some of these, especially the Alexandrite, are so beautiful that they
deserve a more extended use in the arts of jewelry than they enjoy at
present.
After these stones comes another class, which may be called the group of Semi-precious Stones. Many
of these either lack transparency, or possess it in only very limited
degree; while those which are pellucid are too common to command more
than a trivial value. Such stones are frequently used for inlaid work,
or similar ornamental purposes,
