carefully examined for any diamonds that may lie among them."
Some
fears were entertained as 1872 opened with still brightening prospects,
that the large numbers of stones found might produce a depreciation in
value; but such is the unprecedented demand for diamonds, these fears
have not yet been realized. The "off colour" of South African diamonds
only enhances the value of the translucent and colourless stones of
Brazil and India; and their large size and extreme brilliancy finds for
them an ample appreciation. It is estimated that the diamonds exported
from Capetown during the year 1871 amounted in value to $-,7,500,000.
WEIGHT AND VALUE OF DIAMONDS.
The diamond is known in three different molecular states, forming a graduated series that is very remarkable. It is crystallized, crystalline, and amorphous.
The crystallized diamond is the diamond "par excellence;" it is that which, when cut, is used in jewelry.
The
crystalline diamond cannot be cut. It bears in commerce the name of
"boart," and is reduced to powder for cutting crystallized gems.
The amorphous diamond is of a steel-gray colour
