Diamond with matrix
Origin: Meng Yin, Shandong Province, China
Sample size: 4 x 2.5 x 2.5 cm
A "rare brazilian ballas" according to the diamond trade - this is a
fascinating SPHERICAL diamond with no crystal form, measuring 1.3-1.4 cm in
diameter and with a smooth surface. It is entirely translucent. Only a diamond
can cut a diamond, because they are the hardest material on earth. Ballas are
almost impossible to cut because even other diamonds have serious trouble
cutting them. The reason for this is that a diamond usually has a specific
grain along which is the easiest way to cut them. Ballas have many grains
going all over the place, and are therefore almost impossible to cut and are
simply crushed for industrial uses.
Origin: Brazil
Sample size: 1.3-1.4 cm in diameter (13.34 carats)
Origin: South Africa
Sample size: each approx. 1 cm on edge (17.4 carats total weight)
Origin: South Africa
Sample size: 1.3 cm on a side (7.22 carats)
Origin: Belgian Congo or Zaire
Sample size: 0.6 x 0.5 x 0.5 cm
Origin: Katanga, Congo (Zaire)
Ex. M. Dodge collection
Sample size: 1.2 x 1.1 x 1.1 cm
Two undamaged, lustrous, macle-twinned diamond crystals.
Origin: South Africa
Ex. Gene Meieran collection
Sample size: 5 mm (left), and 6 mm across (right)
Origin: Congo
Sample size: 0.5 x 0.5 x 0.5 cm (largest)
Origin: South Africa
Sample size: 4 mm on edge
