Minerals and Metals in Ancient India v1.c24.s1.t8.2

v1.c24.s1.t8.2

India was for long the only source of diamonds known to the European nations. Pliny described the use of diamond splinters by gem-engravers. Manilius commented that the point of the diamond was more precious than gold; even sapphire the hardest stone could be cut by diamond. Shortly we would discuss the use of diamond by the ancient Indian technicians in drilling rock-crystal gems. Indian diamonds set in the Roman rings and gold seals are open for display in the British Museum.