Democratic Sentinel, Volume 17, Number 27, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 28 July 1893 — The United States as a Gem – Producer. [ARTICLE]

The United States as a Gem - Producer.

The United States has entered the field as a gem-producer. Turquoise mines are in successful operation in New Mexico, and the stones taken out are in many respects, including color, equal to the best Persian. Rubies and sapphires are being mined in considerable quantity in several places in Montana, and the stones are very beautiful, although, according to the Mineral Industry , no true red ruby or true blue sapphire has as yet been found there. Fine fire opals have been discovered near Colfax in the State of Washington. Mine buildi gs have been erected and a settlement called Gem City founded, which it is hoped will prove the center of a paying industry. A surprising fact to the general public will be the pearl fishing of Wisconsin, which for the past few years has been extensively carried on along the Pecotonica and Apple Rivers and their tributary creeks. Pearls weighing over fifty grains each and varying in value from SSOO to more than SI,OOO have been taken.