originated in some pre-existing form of carbon, which has been
explained as the result of the crystallization of that element
from a liquid solution. Carbonic acid collected in cavities, it
is affirmed, liquefied under great and long-continued pressure,
during which it dissolved some of the pre-existing" carbon,
when the acid escaped and crystallization began. After the
pressure abated, the evaporization of the liquid left a mass of
carbon, which constituted the diamond. Another school of
scientists teach that this gem had its origin in mud volcanoes,
which is in direct opposition to its glacial source, a theory
which has also its supporters. In the face of all these conflicting views, we must let the subject rest until some new
discoveries afford a basis for fresh speculations.
Matrix.—As many clashing opinions have been advanced
about the real matrix of the diamond as about its birth; but
after the testimony of different explorers has been sifted, it
appears as if there were several different rocks which may be
regarded as its native home. The Indian gem is said to occur
in a sandstone breccia composed of jasper, quartz, chalcedony,
and horneblende, cemented by a silicious substance, the
conglomerate, passing into loose pudding-stone, forming the
diamond beds. Professor Liversidge says granite, itacolumite,
jasper, and peridot indicate the presence of the diamond in
India and Brazil, while in Australia it is associated with
sandstones, shales, conglomerates, and trap-rocks. Agassiz
thought the diamond-bearing formation was the glacial drift,
but the rock about Diamantino is itacolumite, which is an
intimation that it constitutes the true matrix. We are not
left the consolation that our researches end here, since the
diamond, like the " Wandering Jew," has been driven from this
retreat, to resume its nomadic life. A tradition, says Mme.
Barrera, prevailed in the East, in early times, that diamonds
