EARTHSC 1108 Lecture 12: Diamonds 3
1 Dec 2016
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Document Summary
Ancient india: all diamonds pre-1725 came from river gravels of golkonda district of india. Penner, krishan river deltas: kimberlites not known at that time, first mention of diamonds is in rig veda. Diamonds known to be pure and indestructible" in hindu mythology. Sanskrit word is vajra," means both diamond" and thunderbolt," as well. Classical period in the west as a type of club (weapon: reach the west with alexander the great around 325 bce, described at length in pliny"s natural history. Erroneously reports diamonds to be unbreakable by hammer. Pre 1860s: pre 1725: diamonds very rare in west. 1870s and the beginnings of de beers: 1870: cecil rhodes arrives in south africa from uk at age 17, 1872: starts pump-renting business for miners and buying up diamond claims, 1888: forms de beers consolidated mines, ltd. Acquires stakes in all 4 known kimberlite pipe mines including the de.
