Minerals and Metals in Ancient India v2.c41.s4.6

v2.c41.s4.6

Diamond (vajra) was discovered in India of the pre-Christian era. The Arthaśāstra mentioned several sites of origin in Sabhārāṣṭra (Vajragṛha or Wairagadh in Vidarbha), Tajjamārāṣṭra (Orissa), Kāsṭīra (Katni?) and observed that this precious gem could come from the mines, streams or placer deposits (2.11.37-38). Sometimes confused with cat's eye, quartz or some other gem (2.11.39), a good sample of diamond had to be: