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CHAPTER III
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THE DIAMOND
T
HE diamond is
generally regarded as the premier gem of the world. Solitary in its
chemical composition among precious stones, it is pure carbon, a
primary fact that is not as commonly known as it should be and is
supposed to be. It seems, indeed, incongruous that such common
substances as graphite and lamp-black should be the same, save that
they are uncrys-tallised, as this prince of gems; yet notwithstanding
its humble connections, the diamond, in its adamantine lustre, high
refraction, reflection, and dispersion of light, and hardness, is
alone among minerals. Despite its hardness, the diamond is not
indestructible; diamond will cut diamond; it can be burned in the air,
being carbon, and will then leave behind carbon dioxide gas and, as
ashes, an impurity called carbonado. The facets of a cut diamond can be
worn away > some extent by the constant rubbing of fabrics, as is
often manifest by contact with wear-
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