Kashmir sapphire.

Abstract

The history of the deposits and description of the characteristics of the gem are given. A chronology of events from 1881 through 1979 is tabulated. Production figures are given for 17 seasons between 1888 and 1951. The corundum occurs, along with several other minerals (which are listed), in pegmatite masses in Cambro-Silurian metamorphic rocks, especially within an actinolite-tremolite-rich unit, in the Zanskar Range. The sapphires are typically zoned, the zoning being evident because of the presence of microscopic layers of fluid inclusions. The inclusions give the typical 'velvety' lustre for which the Kashmir sapphires are famous.-R.V.D.