“ The beryl, emerald or smaragd, and aquamarine are all the same mineral species, and only distinguished from each other by their blue and yellow shades of green, or by the delicacy of the crystals. The beryl is sometimes also white. The emerald is more transparent and of finer colors than the beryl, and makes a handsomer gem. Aquamarine is a beautiful sea-green variety. The brilliant green color of the emerald is due to the presence of a minute quantity of oxide of chromium ”

“ A crystal in the museum at Stockholm, found in Sweden, is considered to be the largest in Europe; it weighs 80 lbs. The value of the specimens is not at all dependent on their size. The large crystals are of coarse texture and feeble lustre, and possess no beauty. ”