A History of Hindu Chemistry from the Earliest Times to the Middle of the Sixteenth Century A.D. v2.c33.1

v2.c33.1

The crystalline character of the minerals is referred to in one or two places. All the old writers agree in describing the diamond as having 6 angles, 8 faces and 12 edges.* The octahedral form of the crystal is common in the diamond occurring in the neighbourhood of Panna in Bundel Khand. Rājanighantu further adds that the stone is often endowed with numerous faces and edges.† According to Rasaratnasamuchchaya the female diamond is flattened and rounded, whilst the neuter is rounded and obtuse-angled.‡ Vaikrānta is also (probably a mineral of the spinel group, *vide* Vol. i, p. 83) described as having 8 faces and 6 angles.