Description

This fascinating text contains an account of the author's personal observations during two visits to Kimberley in 1896 and 1905, and includes detailed researches on the formation and artificial production of diamonds. Written with the aim of giving some idea of the underground wonders of the Kimberley mines, the author also provides pictures the strenuous work of the men who bring to the surface the buried treasures and gives some idea of the skill and ingenuity with which their labours are controlled. Chapters included herein comprise: Kimberley and its Diamond Mines; Kimberley Mines at the Present Day; Collecting The Gems; The Diamond Office; Noteworthy Diamonds; Boart, Carbonado, and Graphite; Physical and Chemical Properties of the Diamond; Genesis of the Diamond; The Natural Formation of the Diamond; and Meteoric Diamonds. This rare antiquarian book was originally written in 1909 and is proudly republished here with a new introduction to the subject.