Democratic Sentinel, Volume 19, Number 21, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 31 May 1895 — An Odd Gem. [ARTICLE]

An Odd Gem.

A precious stone which at the present time is very valuable, because ’t is the stone of the hour, is the peridot, or “evening emerald.” It is a lovely stone, with its exquisite shades of transparent green, the best suggestion of w'hose hue is the effect produced by looking at the light through a delicate leaf. Jewelers say that the peridot is a species of olivine, of the same class as the beryl, aqua-marine, and topaz; and that it Is, in fact, the ancient “topazion,” otherwise known as chrysolite. It is found in Egypt, Ceylon, and Brazil, good crystals being exceedingly rare. Of the various shades of green olive, leaf, pistachio, or leek, the clear leaf green Is the most admired. Of all the precious stones, the peridot is the most difficult to polish. The final touch is given on a copper wheel moistened with sulphuric acid, a process which requires the greatest care, for, if dipped into the acid the stone has the peculiarity of becoming soluble. Sometimes it is cut in rose form, or like a carbuncle, but it is better and more valuable when worked in small steps, as the brilliance is thus increased. Owing to the quality of softness, the peridot has been considered of little value, but now that it is the fashion, fabulous prices are charged for the stone.