EOSC 118 : lesson8.docx
Document Summary
Which gemstone is the most significant historically and economically: diamond. Most everyone knows about diamonds, their value and historical importance, and appreciates their physical properties. Even with a general understanding of diamond, there continues to be wonder, mystery, and desire associated with these precious stones. Explain the origins of the word diamond: the word diamond originates from the greek word adamao meaning i tame or i subdue , adamao is a root word for the word adamantine. Diamonds are the pinnacle of hardness: adamantine describes lustre, like that of a diamond. In sanskrit, diamond was endowed with the name vajra, and the earliest record of this word dates to the 4th century bc. In ancient india, diamonds of euhedral shape (e. g. , octahedrons) were the most valued. But the fire (its dispersion of light) and brilliance of diamonds was also recognized as a valuable feature. Model of a hindu lady, illustrating the mode of wearing jewellery in north india.
