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Rock Crystal

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74
GEMS.
XXXIII.
DIAMOND.
The ancients gave the name of άδάμαs, that is, " in­vincible," Latinized by " adamans," to this gem, because they believed it capable of resisting every chemical agent, without itself experiencing the least alteration.
In fact, the hardness of the diamond is such that it scratches all other bodies, while it cannot be scratched by any.
But this perfect hardness is not the only quality for which the gem is prized. It holds the first rank for other reasons ; and in all ages it was most precious, and possessed an excessive value. The diamond is rare, not only because it is much in request, but also because it is found only in certain countries, almost always mixed with other precious minerals, in a comparatively small quantity, and scarcely ever in a state of complete crystallization : it appears that Nature elaborates it with infinite difficulty and is therefore not lavish of this gift.
The diamond, then, is a mineral substance, crystal­lized in octahedrons and dodecahedrons, as also in almost all the derivations of these two forms.
Its brightness is so superior to that of every other precious stone, that it is always distinguished as adamantine.
Its natural surface is often unequal ; its sides are lined, somewhat convex, and generally appear dulled,
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