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CHAPTER XXX
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GEM MINERALS AND GEMS IN MUSEUM COLLECTIONS
Visual
palpable examination of gems and gem minerals is most desirable, if one
would have a thorough understanding of gem-ology, for all that the best
of books can teach must necessarily be, to a considerable extent,
abstract. Fortunately for those who abide or sojourn near enough to
take advantage of them, there are several public museums in America
which possess collections of minerals, including gem minerals, and in
New York City the great educational institution, The American Museum
of Natural History, has, in addition, a fine collection of cut gems,
principally the gift of Mr. J. Pierpont Morgan, which is a delight to
the eye of every visitor who sees it. While one cannot handle the
minerals in such collections, and thus prove the statements made in
this book and other publications, that gems are cold and that some feel
greasy or have other qualities determined by the tactile sense, they
are free
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