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.