THE BOOK OF DIAMONDS
It
is stated by Messrs. Ford and Wright that the New South Wales diamonds
are much harder than those from South Africa judging by the time
necessary for the preparation of the facets. The average specific
gravity of the New South Wales diamonds is 3.42. New South Wales has no
large diamonds compared with, those of South Africa. The smallness of
size is compensated, however, by the fact, as we are informed by an
excellent trade authority, that medium sized diamonds are now more in
request than large ones, for mounting in conjunction with other gems,
such as rubies and sapphires.
The following conclusions are emphasized for the New South Wales diamonds: —
1.
The diamonds of New South Wales in their physical characters are more
nearly allied to those of Brazil than any other country.
2. They have been very largely sold in London as such.
3. As regards to color, they differ practically but little from those of other fields.
4. The general absence of "cleavage" and "macles" is a point much in their favor.
5. Stones of the rarer colors assumed by the diamond should be particularly sought for.
6.
The greater hardness of the New South Wales gems will probably raise
the cost of cutting, but this will be compensated for by their extra
"brilliancy".
7. "Bort" should be eagerly sought for.
8. The matrix of the diamond in New South Wales bears no resemblance to those of South Africa.
The diamonds that are found in Borneo are accompanied by pebbles of a siliceous nature and also by a form of bluish-62
