Diamond
A native crystalline carbon that is usually nearly colourless, although white, black and various pale shades of pink, yellow, red, orange, green, blue and brown are found. All good gem diamonds are transparent and free of flaws, and colourless stones, known as white diamonds, are extremely valuable. Considered the hardest substance on the earth, diamonds are also widely used industrially. Named in the 14th century after the Greek word Adamas, meaning invincibleù. The diamond has traditionally played a part in history as a symbol of royal power. During ancient times it was commonly used as a talisman against cowardice and was valued as a stone to bestow invulnerability. The power of the diamond was believed to work only when the stone was freely given. In ancient times it was given to ensure love, promote harmony and dispel anger. It was first cut in the 14th century but it took until 1910 for the modern brilliant cut (a form of cut with numerous facets giving the stone a special brilliance) to develop. In Greek mythology, Eros, the god of erotic love, is said to have used arrows tipped with diamonds to stimulate people to fall in love with one another. The brilliance of diamonds was supposed to shine a light that kept negativity at bay. It symbolized durability, incorruptibility and invincibility. Amante de Dio (Italian for diamond) means òlover of God. The diamond stimulates clear mental sight and is said to amplify the full spectrum of energies in mind, body and spirit, inspiring innocence, faithfulness, abundance and serenity. It is also thought to be helpful in the treatment of poisoning. Diamond is the birthstone for April, symbolising innocence.