The Leavenworth echo. [volume] (Leavenworth, Wash.) 1904-current, 1913-08-22
DIAMONDS AND OTHER GEMS
MINED IN THE UNITED STATES
Precious Stones are Widely Distributed
and of Various kinds-Aggregate
Value of Output Not Large

Gems and precious stones were pro-
duced in the United States in 1912 to
the value of $31o,722 according to
Douglas B. Stenett, OF the United
States Geological Survey. The kinds
of precious stones found in the United
States are many, ranging from diam
onds Of fine quality to low-grade
stones such as agates, but as is seen
from the total value of the output
there are no really large operations.
The principal gem mineral mined in
the United States during 1912 was
Montana sapphire, Of which there was
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 de-
posts of Humboldt county, New, was
attended with much success, and a
quantity of magnificent gem material
was obtained. The opal is of an un-
usual type, consisting of dark translu-
cent mineral with variety of rich col
ors. The deposits promise to supply
a gem equal if not superior in beauty
to the opal from Australia.
Prospecting and mining at the eme-
raid mine in North Carolina were at
tended with only partial success. Two
pockets or deposits Of emerald were
removed during the year; other devel-
opments consisted mainly of explora-
tory work, which has continued into
1918.
The tourmaline output of southern
California was small, but some mag
nifcent specimen crystals were OBJ
tanned. Especially fine gem crystals
of kunzite were found and brought
good prices. The production of tur-
quoise was very small compared with
some previous years. Beautiful anne
thst 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 OBJ
tanned from prospects in Alexander
county, N. C. Beautiful gems were
cut from some of these. The produc-
ton Of agate and associated varieties Of
chalcedony was again large in several
Western States.
No great advances are reported in
diamond mining in Arkansas during
1912.
Several dozen diamonds were found
and several Misunderstanding plants
were constructed for operation in 1918.
1t has been practically impossible to
determine the quantity and value Of
the diamonds found in the Arkansas
field since the first discovery in August,
1906. Most of the stones are still
held by the mining companies and few
have been sold. 1t is estimated from
the figures furnished the Survey and
from reports in the press and those fur
nished by private persons that about
/ 400 diamonds weighing nearly $50
carats have been found, from August,
1906, through December, 1912, The
total estimated value placed on this
output in these reports amounts to
$12,108.
Mr.. Sterett's report is a very inter
esting account of the various kinds of
gems found in the United States.