124 



The name Asteria applied by me to a certain variety of Quartz, 

 will require some explanation, as individual opinions are somewhat 

 diversified on this point. I will endeavour to give my reasons for 

 adhering to this name. I have been informed by one scientist that I 

 could call these gems Asteriated Quartz, but not Quartz Asteria, which 

 certainly seems to me a distinction without a difference. 



Pliny described the Star Sapphire under the name " Asteria." This 

 latter name is still retained to designate varieties of Asteriated Corun- 

 dum, such as the Sapphire Asteria, Ruby Asteria, Topaz Asteria, etc. 

 I think we may safely infer that the word Asteria was used to particu- 

 larize a variety depending on physical properties, which were then 

 known to occur only in the corundum mineral, and as Cats-eyes are 

 described under Quartz by many authors, when the real stone is Chyrs- 

 oberyl, Asteria applied to Quartz would be no more misleading. Em- 

 manuel says the Quartz Cats-eyes are frequently confounded by jewel- 

 lers with the true or Chrysoberyl Cats-eye, which they persist in calling 

 the Chrysolite Cats-eye. The Corundum Astenas or star stones are 

 peculiar to Ceylon. By skilful cutting the natives produce a star of six 

 rays, which by sunlight or artifical light is vividly shown. A top light 

 is best to judge them by. Fine stones command a high price. 



Dr. Feuchtwanger says that certain translucent varieties of Sap- 

 phire, when cut convex, and when the principal axis of the crystal 

 stands perpendicular to the base of the convex cut stone a white light 

 running in six rays, resembhng three white planes or stripes crossing one 

 another at one point is seen. 



We feel assured as the properties of the Canadian Asteria become 

 better known to jewellers and others, and the prejudice against its being 

 Canadian is overlooked we shall have more admirers of this handsome 

 gem. It compares in some way with the Ceylonese Moonstone, but is 

 much harder and will retain its polish much longer, and on the other hand 

 the Moonstone does not come within the category of true gems. 



Probably if these stones had been introduced by some organized 

 ring as new Ceylonese gems and high prices asked for them, they would 

 have been held in higher estimation by some persons. Take for in- 

 stance the Moonstone, above referred to, which material is far more 

 plentiful, and more easily cut and polished and cheap enough ui its 



