A Rare But Shy Beauty, I Prefer the Shadows to the Bright Lights

I AM A SENSITIVE soul, too soft to be worn for jewelry and highly averse to light. If I were a French writer, I would have spent my life lying in bed, thinking existential thoughts. But as a much-sought-after collector’s gemstone, I am more likely to be found in a felt-lined tray at Tucson or the mineral section of a museum. Pull back the wraps and my ruby-colored beauty and metallic luster will be revealed. But cover me up quickly or my silver-driven dark side soon begins to take over.