The Rough Stone
The rough stone measured 970 carats in weight and was categorized as Color G. The stone was shaped was like a half a loaf of bread; it was unique and inspired the name Excelsior, which means “higher”. It measured two and ½ inches by two inches by one inch thick. The Excelsior was a colored a stunning white with a tint of blue. It did contain a number of black carbon inclusions, which is typical of diamonds from the Jagersfontein mine. The crystalline structure resembled a fractured icicle (p. 277). From the time of its discovery on June 30, 1893, it was the largest diamond known to exist, until the discovery of the Cullinan Diamond in 1905.
Read more about this topic: Excelsior Diamond
Famous quotes containing the words rough and/or stone:
“Not once or twice in our rough island story
The path of duty was the way to glory.”
—Alfred Tennyson (1809–1892)
“Why silk is soft and the stone wounds
The child shall question all his days,
Why night-time rain and the breast’s blood
Both quench his thirst he’ll have a black reply.”
—Dylan Thomas (1914–1953)