|
In addition to the regular mines in South Africa diamonds are found in certain rivers. These diamonds are now mined by damming up the river at various points, pumping it dry and dredging it. The river diamonds in the rough can always be recognized by their dull surface, which is accounted for by the scratching due to the constant rubbing against pebbles and other diamonds while being carried down by the stream. River diamonds vary very greatly as to quality.
Of the stones found in the mines in the German possessions in South Africa nearly all are small and practically all are cut into melees. They are largely, however, of very good quality, and a large part of the best melees now come from the German mines. |
You are here:
JJKent Home >>
Precious Stones Guide Vol 3
>> About Early Mining of River Diamonds and Melees by Germans in South Africa
| <<The Cullinan Diamond | About Early Business Practices of DeBeers Mines and London Syndicate of Diamond Merchants>> |