Dealers report mixed sales this spring. The Midwest has been quiet, while the coasts have seen improvement. Cuprian tourmaline from Mozambique is in wide demand, with strong sales in most qualities. The price structure has yet to level, although prices have softened slightly. Supply of the greenish blue material is good, and large stones are available. Purple cuprian tourmaline is becoming a designer favorite. Prices in this category are stable.
Fine-quality ruby and sapphire continue in good demand. Demand for unheated fine stones is very strong. Price pressures resulting from increasing demand in overseas markets show no sign of easing. The market has two price levels for corundum. One reflects the scarcity of unheated gem-quality ruby and sapphire. A much lower level reflects greater availability of treated and enhanced ruby and sapphire. With current growth rates, prices for finer