been suggested, that this diamond is a topaz, in which case the millions vanish.
No
one is allowed to behold this diamond, which is still in the rough. And
since the question of its nature is not tested, it may be presumed that
the test is withheld for good reasons.
Of
the value of the two other famous diamonds of Portugal there is no
doubt. One weighs 215 carats, the other is flatter and weighs a little
less. These beautiful stones were found by three men who were banished
to the province of Minas Geraes, and who bought their freedom with them.
The crown of England is very rich in beautiful diamonds; its chief treasure is the famous Koh-i-noor, or " mountain of light."
The
history of this stone is obscure, but, as already mentioned, it is
believed to be the same gem as that described by Tavernier among the
jewels of Aurengzebe. According to a Hindu legend it was worn by one of
the heroes of the Indian epic poem the Mahabharata, and it would
therefore have a history extending backward about 4000 years. Coming
down to later times we find it in possession of Vikramaditya, rajah of
Ujayin, 56 B.C., from whom it passed to his successors, the rajahs of
Malwa, and latterly to the sultans of Delhi, when Malwa fell into their
possession. Its later history is given by Mr. Hunt as follows:—"Nadir
Shah,
