Rock-crystal is much lighter, but brilliant and hard ; and the same character is applicable to the strass.
The following list shows the size and weight of the most interesting diamonds in the possession of different sovereigns.
The
largest diamond is in the possession of the Grand Mogul, and according
to Tavernier, resembles in form and size, half a hen's egg. Its
weight is two hundred and ninety-seven and three sixteenths carats. It
was found in 1552, in the mine of Colore, a short distance to the east
of Golconda, and is valued at 11,723,000 francs. It is cut as a
rose-diamond, and is perfectly limpid, with the exception of a small
flaw at the end o"f the girdle.
The
diamond in the possession of the Rajah of Mattan, in Borneo, weighs
three hundred and sixty-seven carats: it was found on that island." It
is of an egg form, has a cavity towards the thinner end, and is of the
first water.
The Orlow, the
diamond belonging formerly to Nadir Shah, sultan of Persia, and now in
possession of the Russian crown, weighs one hundred ninety-four and
three fourths carats. It is of the first water, without flaws or faults
of any kind. Its form is that of a flattened oval, about the size of a
pigeon's egg—it formed the eye of a Braminian god—cnt in a
pyramidal form; it is one inch three lines in diameter, and ten lines
high. It was purchased by the Empress Catharine for about ninety
thousand pounds, cash, and an annuity of four thousand pounds, but is
considered of more value.
The
diamond in the treasury of Rio Janeiro, was found in 1771, at Rio
Abaite, by three criminals, who delivered it to the government, for
which they were pardoned. It weighs one hundred and thirty-eight and a
half carats.
The Austrian crown possesses one which weighs one hun-
