152

MINERAL RESOURCES.

resemble the chrysoberyl or true cat’s-eye ; but in no case
do these compare with the real cat’s-eye, which is said to be
peculiar to Ceylon. Although found in several districts, the
finest have been produced from the gem pits of Morawak
korale.
In the same district, and it is said almost exclusively,
there is found the beautiful gem called alexandrite. This
mineral was formerly found only in the northern part of the
Russian Empire, and took its name from the Imperial family.
The characteristic of this gem when really fine is its rich vivid
green hue by day (much darker than the emerald, and
slightly bronzed), which by artificial light is completely
changed to a deepred. Like the cat’s-eye, this gem occasionally
 commands a high pricein the European markets, and is
sometimes sought after by Americans, and Russians who are
led to suppose that the stones are of Russian origin,
The stone known as zircon is classified under various
names, according to slight variations of colour or the
imagination of the dealer who introduces it to the market,
Its usual colours are various shades of brownish and yellowish
 red, showing in finespecimensa fiery hue which the
ancients were wont to credit with supernatural powers,
Many other qualities it was supposed to possess ; amongst
others, the power of composing the wearer to sleep and
protecting him from unseen enemies. Another kind of
zircon is almost colourless ; it is a whitish crystal with a
faint smokiness, and it is often spoken of as Matara diamond.
[t has of course no connection with the real diamond.
Spinels are often of a bluish colour, or red or green,
usually with a touch of smokiness. The red varieties are
often known as false or Balas ruby. Really good specimens
of the latter variety may be very beautiful and worth as
much as Rs. 100 or more, but most of the spinels obtained
are very cheap.
The pale green beryls are found in large flawless crystals
and sold under the name of aquamarine; it is only very
occasionally that Ceylon beryls possess the true emerald
colour.
To the mineralogist the goms are of most interest in their
ancut state and in connection with their mode of occurrence
 in the rock. Unfortunately most of the interesting
gems of Ceylon have not yet been found in situ, but only
AS more or less water-worn pebbles in the river gravels of
the Balangoda, Rakwana, and Ratnapura districts. Several
new minerals have been found in the heavy refuse from
gem washings during the last fifteen years, and it is probable
that others remain to be discovered.