corundum, synthetic corundum.7, gems, diamond, Burma.12, Mogok, jade, Burma, fei cui, jadeite

A wide-ranging review of the international precious-stone industry during 1912, covering markets, mining, cutting, new discoveries, and changing jewelry fashions. Kunz notes continued strength in the diamond trade and the popularity of sapphire and other blue stones, while discussing synthetic gems, customs duties, and long-term trends in U.S. imports. Diamond coverage is extensive, treating De Beers, Premier, Voorspoed and other South African mines, German Southwest African production and government regulation, British Guiana, Canada, and the still-developing Arkansas field, as well as the diamond-cutting industries of Amsterdam, Antwerp, Germany, and South Africa. Colored-stone sections include the Burma Ruby Mines at Mogok, artificial ruby, Montana sapphires, North Carolina emeralds, Texas topaz, California tourmaline and kunzite, jadeite from Burma, and numerous ornamental stones. Particular attention is given to opal, including the remarkable fossil-bearing and hydrous material of Virgin Valley, Nevada, Mexican opal, and Australian black opal. Kunz also discusses jade and the importance of the Chinese market, amber, amethyst, and several newly reported gem materials and localities. The concluding section surveys pearl fisheries and pearl culture, including Ceylon, the Persian Gulf, Japan, Lower California, and experimental methods intended to stimulate pearl formation.