Diamond. If any gemstone could be called the sovereign, the diamond would be the choice of many. This stone, formerly called the adamant (Greek for untamable) has been known and valued in the Orient from ancient times. However, it was introduced into the Western world only as recently as the 17th century. The gem diamond, a very pure form of the inexpensive element carbon, undergoes a metamorphosis, changing into that beautiful allotropic form at extremely high temperatures and pressures. However, under these conditions carbon tends to combine with many of the chemicals of the earth, thus making it amazing that any diamonds are found at all.

Its claim to a kingly position is partially justified by its being the hardest of all natural materials. The mineral talc is 1 on the Mohs’ scale of hardness, while the diamond is 10, the highest. However, the quality that makes the diamond outstanding as a gemstone is its amazing ability to disperse white light into a beautiful shower of rainbow colors.

The 317-carat Cullinan II diamond and the famous Black Prince’s rubya are the centers of splendor in the imperial state crown of England. The English scepter also contains one of the world’s most fabulous diamonds, the 530-carat Star of Africa.

Few people think of diamonds as being found in the United States. Some might mention finds in Arkansas. However, who would think of diamonds as coming from Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, and North and South Carolina? West Virginia’s famous pale-green diamond, the Jones diamond, was loaned to the Smithsonian Institution for several years and is reportedly worth $25,000.