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Ch. 6: Diamond

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PART III.
CONSIDERATION OF THE INDIVIDUAL GEMS.
DIAMOND.
Diamond: Diamant (German), Adamant (of the an­cients), Almas (Oriental), Diamant (French). The name Diamond is derived from the Greek, Adamas, meaning in­vincible, and referring to the hardness of the gem. The Syrians are said to have first known the diamond, and it was in early ages the subject of trade to the people of the East. The Carthaginians are said to have carried on their trade with the Etrurians, who procured diamonds from the interior of Africa. Pliny mentions six species of diamonds, among which, however, the Indian are to be considered the true, in contradistinction to the quartz crystals, which were likewise called diamonds in those times. The dia­mond was highly esteemed, and many medicinal virtues were attributed to it, particularly against mania, and as an antidote for poisons; it was worn in the rough state. The art of cutting it with its own powder was discovered in 1476, by Lewis Van Berghen. In the beginning it was cut in the table-form, with one row of facets on the surface; afterwards, in 1520, the rhomb cut was adopted : the form of brilliants was invented in the reign of Louis XII. Cardinal Mazarin was the first who had diamonds polished in this form, some of which yet belong to the crown of France. For a long
Ch. 5: Gem History Properties Page of 515 Ch. 6: Diamond
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