Page:A treatise on diamonds and precious stones including their history Natural and commercial.djvu/170

 MOON-STONE.

a beautiful translucent substance, of a bluish white color, When cut spheroidal, it reflects a strong light, which appears on the surface of the stone, agreeably contrasting with the pale celestial hue of the gem. It is used chiefly for ring-stones and ear-drops. Fine specimens were formerly sold at high prices; but the recent importations from Ceylon have considerably reduced their value.

SUN-STONE

a rich variety of aventurine, which reflects a bright flame-like color, when held in a strong light. It is a silicious substance, and owes its peculiar beauty to the arrangement of its particles, or the dispersion of minute specks of mica in ferruginous quartz. It is rare, and much valued by connoisseurs.