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Stones (PRECIOUS numerous mineral)

PRECIOUS, numerous mineral substances, and one of two products of organic origin, used in jewelry and for other ornamental purposes on account of their rarity and beauty. The list of stones which may be regarded as precious cannot be definitely limited, as certain substances appear and disappear with the fluctuations of fashion. There are a few, however, which from all times have occupied a foremost place and have been universally prized as precious stones. In such a rank and position may be placed the diamond, the ruby, the sapphire, the Oriental amethyst, and the emerald, as well as, in a lesser degree, the tourmaline, the aquamarine or pale emerald, the chrysoberyl or cat's eye, the zircon or jargoon, the opal, and the varieties of quartz, such as rock-crystal, agate, amethyst, cairngorm or Scotch topaz, chalcedony, jasper, onyx, sardonyx, etc.

Among other beautiful and valuable stones much appreciated for ornamental purposes, but scarcely to be classed as precious stones, there may be included