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Minerals of Ceylon. 
The amethysts are merely pieces of mouiitaiii crystal, tinged 
with a violet colour. They seldom exceed the size of a walnut, 
but most commonly are found very small. Their value depends 
upon their size, and the deepness of their colour. It is often 
diminished by partial colouring, and spots or streaks of different 
tinges. They are formed, according to their sizes, into buttons 
of various descriptions. Ceylon produces the best and most 
valuable amethysts in India. 
Sardonix is found here, also emeralds, jasper or jasche. Tliere 
are two kinds of the latter ; one a beautiful green like the 
emerald, but darker; the other is mixed with white, or rose 
coloured streaks, and checquered like marble on the one side, 
while it is green on the other. 
Stones, known by tlie name of tourmalins, though destitute 
of any electrical qualities, are found here, of various colours. 
The red tourmalin appears transparent only when it is held up 
against the light; it then presents a pale red hue. The blue 
tourmalin is simply a slightly coloured quartz. The green tour 
malin, or chrysoprase, is of a beautiful transparent grass colour, 
and much esteemed. The yelloiu or topaz tourmalin generally 
resembles amber, although it is sometimes found of a deeper 
colour. It is seldom larger than a pea, but looks very beauti- 
ful wlien set in rings. 
The topaz is chiefly found in yellowish splinters, and the shades 
of colour vary considerably. 
The hliiG sapphire and the green sapphh'e are made into but- 
tons and rings. When found free from flaws they are very 
valuable. They vary from the palest to the deepest hues ; and 
the blue sapphire is frequently unequal in its colour. The axpia 
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