| The mineral to which the term " precious stone" is | | | | neglected for other gems, causing a sensible |
| applied, must be adaptable for jewelry or | | | | difference in the value of these stones. |
| ornamental purposes and must possess beauty, | | | | It has been a mooted question as to the proper |
| hardness, and rarity. | | | | dividing line between stones that deserve the title |
| The beauty of a precious stone or gem consists | | | | "precious," and those, which should be placed in a |
| of its color or colorlessness, brilliancy or softness | | | | so-called semi-precious or lower category. To |
| of luster, and transparency. To take a high and | | | | draw such a line is hardly possible, as neither |
| lasting polish, a mineral must be hard, -and many | | | | hardness, rareness, nor value would be a positive |
| stones that would otherwise be highly valued are | | | | test--some of the hard stones, like zircon and |
| low in the estimate of worth because they do | | | | almandines being less valuable than softer opal, |
| not possess of sufficient hardness to make them | | | | while the diamond, one of the most plentiful of |
| endure the wear and friction to which a precious | | | | precious stones, is at the same time, one of the |
| stone is subjected when used in the form of | | | | most valuable. |
| jewelry. The rareness of precious stones has a | | | | Neither can price be taken as a complete test, |
| decided effect in determining their values. For | | | | because fashion makes a turquoise, an opal, or an |
| instance, the crocidolite, commercially known as | | | | emerald much more valuable at one time than at |
| tiger-eye, was sold by the carat some years ago, | | | | another, All precious minerals used for ornamental |
| and was largely used in the making of fine | | | | purposes, from the diamond to quartz, or |
| jewelry. Today, this material is so plentiful that it | | | | chalcedony, may properly be termed precious |
| is no longer classed among the higher gems, but | | | | stones. |
| serves for cameos and intaglios like chalcedony | | | | The Final Word On Precious Stones |
| and onyx. | | | | The most precious stones are the diamonds, |
| The changes of fashion have much to do with | | | | emeralds, rubies and sapphires. The pearl is |
| determining the market value of precious stones. | | | | oftentimes classed with precious stones. Although |
| Amethysts, topazes, cat's-eyes, aquamarines, | | | | strictly speaking while it is not a stone it holds an |
| alexandrites, and even emeralds and opals have | | | | esteemed place in jewelry. |
| been eagerly sought for at times and then again | | | | |