Page:A treatise on diamonds and precious stones including their history Natural and commercial.djvu/151

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AMETHYST.
115

SECT. VII.

Amethyst, Yellow Crystal, Rock Crystal, and Cat's Eye,
Sard & Onyx, Opal, and Chrysoprase.

These substances belong to the same class, and differ chiefly in color and translucency. The color of the Amethyst, when perfect, resembles that of the violet or purple grape; but it not unfrequently happens, that the tinge is confined to one part of the stone only, while the other is left almost colorless. When it possesses a richness, clearness, and uniformity of hue, it is considered a gem of exquisite beauty; and as it occurs of considerable size, it is suited to all ornamental purposes.