DIAMOND

South Africa and the men and companies who have profited there are all part of the story of this ""very interesting mineral"", as it covers treasure hunting and creates a vivid picture of the changes through the years. From the first find of a pretty pebble to the days of the Rhodes and the de Beers, there is violence and smuggling, the tricky business of cutting, as well as an appreciation of the diamond itself, its values, freaks and uses in science. A satisfying account.