corundum, USA.12, North Carolina.12, Montana.12, gems, Mineral Resources of the United States, diamond

Kunz surveys developments in precious stones during 1895, emphasizing new discoveries, mining activity, production, trade, cutting, and changing fashions. The report gives substantial attention to diamonds, including the South African mines and trade, American discoveries in Wisconsin and elsewhere, and occurrences in Brazil, India, Borneo, and Australia; it also discusses the growing American diamond-cutting industry. Other sections treat corundum and sapphire, notably the rapidly developing Montana sapphire deposits, as well as ruby, turquoise, tourmaline, beryl, garnet, quartz, opal, and numerous ornamental stones. Kunz records important individual specimens and new localities and discusses artificial gems, methods of distinguishing natural from imitation stones, and developments in gem cutting and jewelry. The report provides a detailed contemporary picture of both the American precious-stone industry and the international gem trade at the close of the nineteenth century.