Description: What child hasn't dreamed about picking up a rock and discovering that it is a priceless diamond? Tapping into our fascination with these sparkling gems, this book tells the story of diamonds from their earliest documented appearance in India in the seventh century B.C., to the modern age of laboratory-made synthetic stones.

Jean Milne delves into all aspects of diamonds, from their cultural significance to their scientific makeup and uses. She tells how diamonds are formed; where they are found; their physical and optical properties; and what makes a diamond rare and valuable. She also explains methods of extracting diamonds -- from simple panning (as for gold) to more sophisticated methods; how to tell real from fake diamonds; their uses in industy and medicine (even during the hated trip to the dentist!); superstitions about diamonds and beliefs about their powers and the stories of ancient intrigue and thievery behind the famous ones, such as the Hope Diamond and the 3,106-carat Cullinan.

This book will be fun for young rock-hounds everywhere. An informative guide to all the many facts and legends about diamonds, it can be used for reports that show how science, history, and technology intersect.

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