Page:A treatise on diamonds and precious stones including their history Natural and commercial.djvu/139

 SECT. IV.

On the Emerald and Aquamarine.

public estimation, the Emerald ranks next to the Ruby. It is distinguished from all other gems by its color, which is a pure unmixed green, which varies in intensity from the palest possible tinge, to a full and pure body of color, than which nothing can be more beautiful. After beholding the dazzling splendor of the preceding gems, exquisite as they are in beauty and brilliancy, with what quiet pleasure does the sight turn to, and dwell upon the refreshing green of the emerald, calling up in the mind the full verdure of spring, with all the delightful associations connected with the youth of the year, the spring of life!