Mining of Diamonds, Gemstones and Precious Metals



Diamond Mines in South Africa

Gardner Williams was a General Manager of De Beers. His 1000+ page epic work extensively describes the history of South Africa, its diamond mines, mining, cultures, towns and work conditions.
 
 

 

Catelle also dedicated a large chapter to South African Diamonds in his classic on Diamonds.

Famous British jeweler Edwin Streeter (who competed with the Rothschildts for the rights of the famous Burma Ruby mines) extensively wrote about Diamonds in South Africa as well.

More recent history in Hershey's
Book of the Diamonds

 

Ruby Mines in Burma

Edwin Streeter led a consortium against Rothschildt for the rights of the Burma Ruby mines:


Tavernier, the famous 17 century traveler who brought back the Hope Diamond (Tavernier Blue

 

Kashmir Sapphires , Edwin Streeter reports 20 years after their discovery in 1878.

 

Gold Mining in the USA

Use of equipment in Hydraulic Mining in California.

 

Thureau: Report on Mining in California and Nevada.

USGS reports 1882-1922 Precious Metals

 

Agricola: De Re Metallica

Agricola's De Re Metallica: the first comprehensive work on mining published in 1556. This is the original President's Hoover translation.

Ancient Authors about Mining

 

Australian Gold Fields

Geologist Bradford on famous Australian Gold fields. Many photos. Start with the Berringa gold field. Check List of books.