text:
Full text of "The diamond a pamphlet describing the most reliable indications and the principal minerals associated with the diamond in South Africa, with hints to prospectors in search of these gems ; illustrated with map and sections"
KEUFFEL Si ESSER COMPANY
15G1 N. Danville St., Arlington, Va. 22201
t/^/Kev^r-fy ^f
t*/ C*1s*h
4.W^*Vk
J+J Iff*
THE DIAMOND,^
A ramphlet describing the most reliable indications and the
principal minerals associated with the
DIAMOND IN SOUTH AFRICA,
WITH HINTS TO PROSPECTORS IN SEARCH OF
- THESE GEMS.
[ILLUSTRATED WITH MAP AND SECTIONS.
I V by
DAVID DRAPER, F.G.S., and MINETT E. FRAMES.
JoHANNESBURfl :
MATTHEWS & WALKER, PRINTERS
.;•-■,.-:, ■/>■■■ J. ■
Mr. W&WEm DR4PBR,
Member Fed. Inst.Mming Engineers" Forth of England.
Member Geogr. Soc. of Holland.
Hon. Secretary Geological Society of South Africa
Curator Chamber of Mines Mineral Collection
No. 448, MANSION HOUSE CHAMBERS,
No. 11, QUEEN VICTORIA ST.
South African Address :
Box 460, JOHANNESBURG. Office: CHAMBER of MINES,
Mr. 1€ .
Who has been for many years connected with Diamond and Gold
Mining m the Free State and Transvaal, will inspect
and report upon Mineral Properties in
any portion of South Africa.
DIAMONDS A SPECIALITY.
Extracts from Local Press Reports :
" Mr. Draper identified the specimens fr m Riotf„nf^;„ i • ■■
iferous, in February, 1897."-* «»« IT^XZ^g, &£ {&?»*■
"The lessees of Rietfontein were invited to not fo« n i .
to their a tonishn,, n , they wereins.rucMed by a S « ,™ tXt ""I
search for the precious mineral, whose efforts tknnl . T i Kietfontem) to
gratifying!, successful, ano haie placed bey !„,? do^bt !,* Wi,Th 6 ' "T
ex^ence of a ,rue diamondiferous pipe in tL T^^l]^^ *%;*£
The owners have acknowledged that Mr. Minett R Frames found
the first diamond at the Rietfontein Mine, in
the washing' operations.
, -U- . fV>n ii,<Kt reliable indications and the
A Pamphlet describing the mo*t lenauu
T8 TO PROSPECTORS IN SEARCH OF
THESE OEMS.
W8TMATJSD WITH MAP AND MOTION*.
DAVID DRAPER, P.G.S., ani»
MINETT K. FRAMES.
<• |,, , »
MATTHKWft & WALKER, PWNTCT*
Vesication.
To the great amy of prospectors whose efforts have d.-c
s0 much towards the development of the unneral resources o
South Africa, this little work is respectfully dedicated by the
an SI in the hope that each one who purchases a copy .ill
discover a diamond mine and make his pile.
In placing this pamphlet before the public we do not pose
M phnaStopist. Whave had a ^r amount of expem-cn
diamond rnininc both on the River and at the L>ry L>ig n e > ,
SSSe impression that those who do not know what
a rough diamond is like, or are ignorant of the , ar ^r ot tfte
mine&l in which these gems are found, and the ™»£F£
which have hitherto led to the discovery ^J^PgSffi
will gladly avail themselves of the hints contained in tl us nttte
wok When we were prospecting in tje ea riydays ofjhe&a-
mnnfl industrv we would have paid a great deal more
iCn the mce asked for a work containing the same amount of
InSr We believe that old diamond miners may also pick
up a few hints from a perusal of these pages. Very Jew men
have visited all the diamond mines in South Africa as we have
done and noted the peculiarities ol each one. . -
TIipii ftffain evervbodv does nol know what a diamond is line,
„or tow t ^/for it,' though old hands will »***£. Jj§
"uperior knowledge and tell us that '• no man can be m ^taken
be has once handled a few diamonds. But this is r>> "°. uu .*
the cSe as the history of the famous Monastery /.neon will tell.
n Snlnce experienced diamond men were ^J«V»J
some even offered large sums ol money for a comparativelj vaiue
^ W^have advised prospectors to proceed on the lines we
the New Rush (now Kimberley Mine) on the day thej were
given out, and worked for several years thereon
Mr Frames mew up on the Diamond I ieltts, ana was con
tunitv of making the fact public, were led to the wentmcOTion
Kg diamond bearing mineral, by the occurrence of the various
minerals which accompany the diamond in every mine in South
Africa ; and so once more the " carbon," " garnet," and " neeu
stone have done good service in the development of the mineral
resources of this country.
We were told when we first made this discovery pnblic that
blue ground had never been found on the surface, and that
Ivnnberley and the other diamond mines were covered with lime
and Rietfontein, Pretoria, was not, consequently it could nut
possibly be a diamond mine. But we pinned our faith on the
diamond s inseparable companions, and they have not failed u.s
1 he now recognised importance of Rietfontein is therefore
Sect* P WG WerC entitIe<l t0 Sive an °P inion " 2K
The fact that diamonds existed in the Transvaal has been
public property for a number of years, but hitherto the home of
these valuable gems was a mystery which we have succeeded in
That the Rietfontein Mine, Pretoria, should have been nros-
pected. for coal firstly, and later on for mercury, is aifothe proof
of the ignorance of a great number of men who pose as author?
ties upon the indications of the diamond. It will not be believed
by old diggers that shafts were actually sunk to 35 fee? in
blue ground," without the prospectors discovering he value of
the spot they were working, yet such was the case.
jr ^^r^svris^s^: =5:
In TOidusion, we woold adTiae those who wish to beenino
thoroughly aeyamted with the diamond bearing mleS, of
oomph* ooileotion e, ^JT ft* ^eStbT'K
David Draper.
Minett R Framed.
(Jolo,,bedPt ' atkNo - 'chapter I.
What is \ DlAMOKD.— Colour and Composition, Form,
Hardness, Lustre. Summary of its principal chare*-
Boart, Carbon or Carbonado ...
How to identify a Diamond ... • • •
Minerals whicb may be mistaken for a Diamond ...
Minerals which are found in company with the
Diamond in South Africa ...
The Garnet, Carbon ...
Olivine, Mica, Vaalite, &c. ...
The Diamond Deposits and Rocks
Section 1- -The River Gravels ... -•
Section 2— The volcanic pipes or chimneys known
as the dry diggings
Yellow ground and Blue ground...
Hard Bank ... ... •••
CHAPTER IV. ... -
Geological position of the various I^mohd Mines
Rietfontein, Kimberley and De -Beers I late,
Jagorsfontein, Kaalvalley (Robinson's), Dnekoppies,
Monastery, Carnvel ;;
CHAPTER V. .- .»
Bribe description of the different Diamond Mines
IN THE ORDER OF THEIR DISCOVERY.—
Bultfontein ... - . •••
Du Toit's Pan : Jagersfoutem ...
Old De Beers— Kimberley
Koffyfontein— The Monastery ...
The Robin 8 on.Rietfontem p ^ ...
How to prospect for Diamonds and the Plant required,
by M. E. Frames ... ...
y CHAPTER VII.
A few hints to Prospe< tors
P^LLw forthe regulation of Diamond Mining in
South Africa, Weights used for precious stones
Hardness and specific gravity tables
1-6R&N STONE
Piece of Hard Blue Ground, with Diamond and Characteristic
Minerals in Natural Colours.
South African Diamond Octohedron,^ copied from
" Dana's Mineralogy."
>*•**»■
WHAT IS A DIAMOND ?-
There are three varieties of the Diamond-
The Gem ok Precious Stone.
BOAET.
Carbon or Carbonado.
THE GEM OR PRECIOUS DIAMOND.
Colour and CoMPOsrriOK.-The diamond is a precious
stone, generally white or colourless, though found of Sat
tan s ranging between white and black, but of which pa le yeUow
or straw colour 18 the most frequent (after white and colourS !
Red, orange, and blue diamonds' are rare, but *moky or
g ?t ,nl Z freqUent,y fonnd > b,ue » most uncommon'
ihe colourless stones are almost, invisible in clear water
If a diamond is colourless and free from flaws and spots it ia
called a « first water stone " and is of the highest value in pro
portion to its weight and shape. P
The diamond is composed of pure carbon and can be com
pletely burned to carbon dioxide (carbonic acid gasO between the
poles of a battery, leaving no ashy residue behind
»A a >' S m l imhle < but whe » exposed to great heat in an atmos-
phere free from oxygen, it swells up into a black mass like
graphite or coke. It is also unaffected by acids
Its specific gravity is 3.5 (3* times heavier than water).
U«A "**— Diamonda are found in a crystalline form • octa-
hedrons or eight-sided stones are the most numerous A perfect
octohedron has eight flat sides or « facets," each of wild Eld |
somewhat! ^SLSEa^x ***** ^^ these fawts ™ I
Stlyturtd 6 ,U Sl ' aPe ' a " d thG a " gleS and Sides ™ I
Some diamonds have their facets marked with small tri- I
angular indentations as shown in figure 1, plate 1, which repre- I
sents the form and mode of crystalization of a perfect I
octohedron. The drawing is copied from Dana's Mineralogy I
10 Til E DIAMOND.
Other forms of crystalization occur, but they are all modifica-
tions of the octohedron. Diamonds are never found of the same
shape as quartz crystals, which have six sides and six triangles
converging to a point, either at one or both ends.
Hardness, -Though several of the harder minerals wil
scratch glass, only the diamond will cut it. Glaziers diamonds
are thosl having an acute angle, selected on this account because
they cut glass more effectively than ordinary diamonds would do.
In the scale of hardness the diamond ranks highest, corun-
dum being the nearest to it, topaz and quartz following in succes-
sion. Consequently a diamond will scratch all other substances,
but cannot be scratched by any other mineral except a diamond
It is possible to cleave a diamond along certain planes (with
the grain), and it can be crushed by a blow with facility.
Many good gems were lost in the early (lays of diamond
mining is South Africa by what was called the "anvil test
which consisted of placing the diamond upon an anvil and strik-
ing it a smart blow with a hammer. Naturally, but a small cone
of dust remained behind. If a stone stood this test it was sup-
posed to be a diamond, but there is no instance recorded of any
one surviving such rough treatment. .
Lustre. Even in its rough or uncut state, a pure diamond
is generally so lustrous that it can easily be distinguished from
among a cluster of clear quartz or other glittering Btones. It has
a lustre peculiar to itself, which once seen is not readily tor-
§ ° tte Occasionally diamonds are found which have a dull coating
or covering. These are often of a good shape, but close examina-
tion is necessary to detect the lustre beneath the skin.
In addition to the peculiarities above mentioned, a diamond
has a soft soapy feel, which is so noticeable that experienced
men can distinguish these gems from any other by the sense of
touch alone. Even the fragments of a diamond show this feature in
a marked degree. , , .. ^.
Quartz crystals are rough along the edge and even the topaz,
which is often mistaken by the inexperienced for a diamond, is
rough compared to the latter gem. ,
8 Diamonds are frequently found in fragments (chips and
•cleavvage) of all shapes, sizes and colours, but with the excep-
tion of shape the above description is applicable to these equally
as well as to perfect stones.
SUMMARY OF THE PRINCIPAL CHARACTERISTICS
Colour.— Prom white or colourless passing through yellow,
red, orange, green, blue, or brown to black. The three first-
mentioned colours are common, the others rare. It is also trans-
parent and translucent.
Form. Octohedron (eight-sided), dodecahedral (twelve-
sided), most frequent, but mackle or flat twin crystals are some-
times found, and in all mines a proportion of the diamonds are
found in a fragmentary form, known as chips and cleavage.
Hardness. — Exceeding that of all other known substances.
The nearest to the diamond in hardness is corundum or emery,
the topaz and quartz following in succession. Consequently the
diamond will scratch all other minerals, but cannot be scratched
by any of them. See Hardness Table.
Lustre. Most noticeable in clear stones of any colour,
but occasionally obscured by a thin skin or covering.
Note. — A piece of clear alum, filed to the shape of a diamond,
and then sucked for a few moments, is a very good imitation,
in colour and lustre, of a good white stone.
Gravity. Exceeding that of most other gems, but less than
that of the sapphire, topaz, zircon and garnet. See Gravity Table.
Electrical Properties. — Negative, but becomes electrical
by friction and will retain this property for about thirty minutes.
Feel. -Soapy to the touch. This is most marked, and is a
characteristic belonging solely to the diamond amongst gems.
Boart is generally of a greyish or lead colour, has a rounded
form, and often a number of small fragments are aggregated
together, forming clusters, or enclosing crystals. Its hardness
exceeds that of the diamond itself, slightly, but its specific
gravity is less : 3.15. It has a greasy lustre, and is smooth to
the touch like a diamond. Boart is occasionally found in lumps
of considerable size. Kimberley Mine produced a piece over GOO
carats in weight.
Crystals or fragments of crystals useless as gems are alsQ
■called boart in the diamond trade. (Dana.)
CARBON OR CARBONADO (BLACK DIAMOND).
This mineral has not yet been identified in the South
African Diamond Mines. What is called carbon here is in reality
either ilmenite (titantic iron) or magnetite (magnetic iron).
Brazilian carbon is massive with crystalline structure, some-
times granular to compact, without cleavage. Hardness is greater
than with the crystals (of diamond) and it is less brittle, its
specific gravity is less, due in part to slight porosity. Lustre
resinous to adamantine, colour black or greyish black. It is
Found occasionally in large masses up to 731 carats. (Dana.)
There are gradual transitions from the perfectly crystallized
diamond through various forms imperfectly crystallized or made
up of several individuals to [the true boart, and again between
the boart and carbonado,
HOW TO IDENTIFY A DIAMOND.
The first test to be applied to any stone which may be con-
sidered a diamond is to try its hardness. For this purpose a
glazier's diamond is of great service. If the stone can only be
scratched by exerting considerable pressure, the probability is
that it is the gem sought for, but in order to decide this point
definitely, it will be as well to apply a few more tests. The
gravity may be approximately ascertained by dropping ^ the
specimen into a small phial containing about loz. of " Gravity''
solution This most valuable solution, useful for determining
the comparative gra\ity of a great number of m'nerals, can
be obtained from Messrs. Taylor & Co., chemists, Von Brandis
Square, of any required density, prepared in ounce bottles.
It is a strong poison and must be used with great caution.
The method" of determining the comparative gravity is to
drop the mineral into the solution ; if of greater specific gravity
than the liquid it will sink to the bottom, if of less it will float.
For testing the gravity of diamonds the solution should have a
sp.g. of not less than 3.1. If the specimen floats on the surface
of the lquid it may be discarded as worthless If it sinks to
the bottom rapidly it is either a diamond, sapphire, topaz, or a
zircon, but if in addition to its sinking in the fluid it will stand
the hardness test, no further examination will be necessary —
it will prove to be a diamond right enough.
Both the topaz and zircon are soft compared to the diamond.
The former is 8 in the scale of hardness, the zircon 7.5, the dia-
Another test is its electrical properties. A diamond becomes
strongly electrical when rubbed, and will then attract light ob-
jects, such as a small piece of paper. Other uncut gems do not
exhibit this property.
The sense of touch plays a considerable part in the identifi-
cation of a diamond, but experience is necessary before this can
be relied upon. No other mineral crystal feels so smooth and
soapy to the touch as the diamond, even if in a rough state or in
1 its most fragmentary form, as well as when in the shape of a
most perfect ciystal
MINERALS MISTAKEN FOR THE DIAMOND. 13
_ ?° gUi i e Ca ? v e give ? with re « ard t0 colour > though the
greater number of diamonds are white, colourless, or yellow.
MINERALS WHICH MAY BE MISTAKEN FOR THE
Quartz.— This mineral crystallises in a different form from
the diamond. When perfect, a quartz crystal has six sides, and
each end has six triangles (generally varying in size) which con-
verge into a point. It is much softer and lighter in gravity It
can be scratched easily with a glaziers diamond, and will float on
the surface of the " Gravity solution " of a gravity of ?,A. See
Gravity luble.
It has not the lustre of the diamond, though exceptional
crystals of quartz are lustrous to a considerable extent.
Topaz.— Is equal to the diamond in gravity, but can be
scratched with ease by a glazier's diamond, and though colourless
is generally deficient in lustre and is Hat in shape.
The Zircon. -Is much heavier than the diamond, is lustrous
to a marked degree, but is rarely white, generally light yellow
and can be easily scratched with a diamond.
Note. -A stone found in the Monastery Mine was so like a
diamond m shape and lustre, that it puzzled a number of ex-
perienced men. On the tests of hardness and gravity ilTfailed
utterly, and was found to be a zircon.
14 THE DIAMOND.
THE MINERALS WHICH ARE FOUND IN COMPANY
WITH THE DIAMONDS OF SOUTH AFRICA.
Diamond!? are mined in two different classes of rock :—
1st The alluvial gravels found along the hanks of the Vaal
River and some of its trihutanes.
2nd. The volcanic pipes containing the mineral known as
" Kimberlite." , , . ... , i , l4 .
These are so distinct from each other that, they wiU be dealt
with separately later on, this chapter being devoted to a bnet
dSripSon of the chief minerals which accompany the diamond,
both in the river gravels and volcanic pipes.
Foremost amongst these is the beautifully coloured garnet
without which the diamond has not yet been discovered here
Composed of allumina and silica, tinted by per-oxide of
iron, these stones, which on account of then- beauty, ma) almost
be classed as gems, are of a deep red colour generalh , though
there are varieties such as Essonite, called cinnamon stone on
account of its resembling that spice in colour ; Grossulante
which is green, and several others of different colours.
Those found in company with the diamond arc generally o
a deep red colour, and belong principally to the variety caUed
« Pyrope," and are frequently much rounded .n» though the) had
been subjected to a considerable amount ol friction. Th»w •
peculiarity of this variety of garnet. It is found in the Tvrol of
the same form, and also accompanying serpentine rocks, as in the
diamond pipes of South Africa. Garnets are abundant m the
volcanic pipes, but less so in the alluvial deposits.
CAEBON— This name was given to the small black fragments
of ilmenite which are found accompanying the diamond. It iw a
black mineral, glossy where fractured, occurring somet nuts in
distinct cystalline form, though generally fragmentary It! hasa
cferoncttdal (shell-like) fracture, and a specific gravity surpassing
that of the diamond (4.5). „ . f j-
Occasionally, as in the Monastery Mine, carbon is found
in nieces of over one pound in weight. ,
P The mineral called " carbon " here must not be confounded
with the true " carbon " or " carbonado which is found m the
Brazilian Mines. , , • t
f he latter is of sufficient hardness to be employed in rock
drilling, whereas the former is a soft and brittle mineral, tor
which no use has yet been discovered.
Olivine (green stone of the miners) An emerald green
stone generally found in small fragments only, but invariably
accompanying the diamond in the volcanic pipes. It can be
scratched with a knife, is brittle, and has a sp. gravity about
equal to that of the diamond (3.5).
MlCA.-— A variety of Mica called " vaalite " in mineralogy.
This mineral was identified in the diamond pipes of South Africa
by Messrs. Maskelyne and Plight, before whose discovery it was
unknown ; the name " vaalite is after the Vaal River.
It differs from other micas in several important respects
which were considered sufficient to entitle it to a distinct name.
It is of a brownish colour, not yellow or black like" phlogo-
pite" or "biotite," and it also differs from the variety known as
'• muscovite," from which the large sheets are obtained. It is
generally intersected by a large number of fine lines running
parallel with each other, and occurs in small plates only ; these,
however, show a distinct lamination similar to that of the other
Magnetite or magnetic iron is also found in the diamond
deposits of both classes. It cannot readily be distinguished from
the mineral called " carbon ' though it is duller in lustre and
often cubical in form.
In the alluvial gravels many " agates," " carnelians," " cats
eyes," and stem-like " zeolites " are found in addition to the
minerals already mentioned. Most of these appear to have been
derived either from the decomposition of the diabase amygda-
loids, through which the Vaal River travels for a great number of
miles, or from the destruction of the pipe " amygdaloids of the
Drakensberg, which would free the stem-like zeolites.
The matrix which contains the diamond and associated
minerals in the volcanic pipes, is a variety of serpentine derived
from the decomposition of a rock rich in olivine and known in
mineralogy as " Kimberlite.'
16 THE DIAMOND.
THE DIAMOND BEARING DEPOSITS AND ROCKS.
THE RIVER GRAVELS.
Diamonds were first found associated with certain isolated
patches of gravel along the banks of the Vaal and Orange
The principal of these were situated below the town of
Christiana on the Vaal, and near Hopetown on the Orange River
though occasionally diamonds have been picked up as high up the
former river as Boshoff. Many patches of diamond bearing
gravel were found near Klipdrift (now Barkly), and on the Pneil
Mission Grounds on the Free State side of the Vaal River.
There are also isolated patches of gravel in which diamonds
have been found on the Modder River below its junction with
the Reit, and also in the bed of a small creek which enters the
Sand River, near Rheuoster Kop, in the Kronstad district of the
River gravels produce diamonds of great purity and good
size, but the yield is comparatively low and the finds most erratic.
Few fortunes have been made at the River Diggings, and
there are not many miners at work on the river at present.
There does not appear to be any true indication of the pre-
sence of the diamond in the river gravels. Carbon and garnets
occur, but in lesser quantity than in the " dry diggings." ^
River miners will explain the peculiarities of the diamond
bearing gravels as distinguished from the barren deposits, but
these indications are more imaginary than real, and are of little
value to the prospector.
As the river diamonds were probably derived from the des-
truction of a diamondiferous pipe, situated somewhere in the
river channel, it is natural to assume that the diamonds will be
most unevenly distributed and be associated with any alluvial
deposit which has lodged along the banks of the stream.
The stones generally accompanying the diamond in th
alluvial gravels are described in chap, ii., page 14.
THE DRY DIGGINGS. 17
THE VOLCANIC PIPES OR CHIMNEYS, KNOWN AS
THE DRY DIGGINGS.
The bulk of the diamonds found in South Africa are derived
from the volcanic pipes or chimneys which are found scattered
These occur in different geological formations and are
not confined to any particular stratum or period.
They are generally irregularly circular in shape, of
limited extent and surrounded by barren country rock. They
are true volcanic pipes and chimneys, which have served as the
vents for the passage of molten or muddy material from
subterranean reservoirs.
The theories of the formation of diamonds form a most
interesting subject, but one which cannot be dealt with in so
small a volume as this, nor are they of any practical interest
What he has to deal with is the economic side of the ques-
tion. For his purpose the following description of the mineral
will be of more service. It is, however, somewhat difficult to
describe the peculiarities of the diamond bearing mineral in such
language as will be easily understood by those not accustomed to
mi nero logical terms.
Firstly it must be understood that the different diamond
mines, though situated many miles apart, all contain the same class
of mineral which is known as " Kimberlite ' by mineralogists.
In all the know r n mines there is a distinct difference between
what is known as " yellow ground ' and the " blue." The former
is situated near the surface, and is in reality the decomposed or
much weathered portion of the " blue," which again is the
partially weathered form of the extremely hard mineral —of the
same composition as the " blue,' but much harder -known by
diggers as " hard bank."
' Hard bank ' is no doubt the original and true diamond bearing
rock. All these varieties occur in the different mines in greater or
less proportion. In the Kimberley Mine the blue was struck at
about 100 feet, and the diggers thought they had reached bed rock
when they found so great an alteration in the mineral they were
operating on. In other mines the depth varied with the amount
of decomposition to which the mineral had been subjected.
In the most recent discovery, " Rietfonteift," the yellow
ground is limited to a few feet in thickness.
In their order of occurrence these different stages ol the
^diamond bearing mineral will be described.
18 THE DIAMOND.
As its name denotes this mineral is of a light yellow colour,
easily crushed to pieces in the hand (incoherent), made up prin-
cipally of decomposed olivine and other serpentinuous matter,
and it invariably contains garnets, carbon, a peculiar brown
mica (Vaalite) in small flakes, an emerald green mineral known
by the diggers as olivine or " green stone." All these minerals
may be in small fragments scarcely discemable to the naked eye,
or in large lumps the size of walnuts or larger, as in the
Monastery Mine.
If a piece of yellow ground is cruslied between the finger
and thumb and rubbed for a few seconds a peculiar greasy feel is-
Though several minerals give the same results, they are-
generally laminated, like mica shales, or leafy like talc, whereas
the " yellow " is earthy and massive and does not show any lines
of stratification or bedding.
If the prospector finds a deposit of mineral which is not
stratified but massive, is of a light yellow colour, has a greasy
feel when crushed in the hand, contains garnets, carbon, olivine,
and thin small scales of brown-coloured mica, he may proceed to
search for diamonds with a good prospect of finding them.
Naturally it is by no means absolutely necessary that all of these
minerals must be present, but there does not appear to be one-
mine in the country in which they are not found accompanying
the diamond, and consequently, as they are in all cases, far more
abundant than the diamond itself, they will be more readily
found, and therefore can be taken as a fair guide to the position
of a diamond pipe. By the aid of these indicators the Rietfon-
tein pipe and several other diamond mines were discovered.
This i« in reality the same mineral as the " yellow ground,"
but it has been less affected by the action of the weather, perco-
lating waters, and other agents of decomposition. It contains the
same minerals, though in the blue the different fragments of
mineral matter can be more plainly distinguished by the naked
eye. It is, as its name denotes, of a bluish colour when fresh,
but changes to grey upon exposure, and it also crumbles to pieces
under the influence of the sun and rain, or when exposed to the
atmosphere for a length of time, varying with the stage
of decomposition it is in. It contains all the minerals
which are found in the yellow ground, garnets, carbon, olivine,
mica, and it has the same greasy feel when rubbed in the palm,
HARD BANK, OIL " HARDI-BANK"
It is rarely exposed on the surface of the ground, but occurs-
at a depth which varies in every mine. The Rietfontein Mine is
the only one in which the blue was found actually outcropping on,
HARD BANK, OR " HARDI-BANK."
See plate 1 , fig. 2.
This is the parent rock in which diamonds are contained.
Blue and yellow ground are hard bank in different degrees of de-
composition. It contains the same minerals in a fresher or less
decomposed condition than they are in the yellow or blue
ground. There is also a peculiar zoning of all the minerals in
the " hard bank " which is noticeable to a lesser extent in the
blue, but is absent in the yellow ground. That is to say, each
different fragment of mineral matter of any size is generally
surrounded by a ring or zone of a different colour composed of the
altered mineral itself. A fragment of olivine is surrounded by a
zone of serpentine (altered olivine). A fragment of diabase is
surrounded by decomposed diabase, and so oir : so that the
mineral appears as if it were composed of a number of rounded or
subangular fragments each with a ring surrounding it.
The greasy feel is absent irr hard bank, because the mineral
is not sufficiently decomposed.
Every diamond bearing pipe contains numerous fragments,
and in some instances large boulders of foreign material, hardened
shales, sandstones, igneous rocks, and occasionally granite.
Many of these have evidently been carried up during the ascen-
sion of the original mass, but some, such as the shales, appear to
have tumbled into the pipes from the strata surrounding them—
while still their contents were in a semi-liquid state.
All these foreign masses have undergone a certain amount of
alteration, especially round their edges.
The Kimberley Mine had a large mass, composed principally
of shale, similar to that surrounding the mine, situated near its
centre, and continuing downward until the blue ground was
reached, when it disappeared, (See section of Kimberley Mine).
Very few diamonds were found in the blue ground with which
these masses of shale were mixed up.
20 THE DIAMOND.
•GEOLOGICAL POSITION OF THE VARIOUS DIAMOND
The gravels in which diamonds are found along the Vaal
River belong to deposits which are slightly older than the gravels
of the present river bed, and they probably represent the position
which the stream occupied in past times, before it had excavated
its present channel.
No animal remains or other evidences have been found by
which their age could be identified with any degree of certainty.
The pipes or chimneys in which diamonds occur lie in strata
of different geological ages. The last discovered — the
— is situated in an older series of rocks than any of the
Outcropping in a stratum of the Magaliesberg quartzites,
by which rock it is almost surrounded, it is associated with what
is generally supposed to be carboniferous rocks, though they do
not contain any coal beds, but insignificant layers of graphite.
These do not, however, come to daylight in the vicinity of the
mine, and their nearest outcrop is apparently the Wonderboom
Poort, near Pretoria.
The Rietfontein diamond pipe is especially interesting as
being the first diamond mine found in the Transvaal, the furthest
in distance from the Kimberley group, and to its being situated
in an older geological period than any of the other mines.
In geological position the group of diamond pipes of which
KIMBERLEY AND DE BEERS
are the best known, are the next in upward succession.
They are situated in the lower portion of the Ecca or Lower
Karoo beds, which series is, however, of no great thickness
there, dwyka conglomerate and Qtiartzite occurring, the
former at a depth of about GOO feet and the latter at some dis-
tance lower dovyn. Several of the pipes in the Kimberley group
were covered with limestone tufa. This was especially the case
with regard to Kimberley Mine itself, and Wesselton, near Du
TohVs Pan.
When, however, the fact is taken into consideration that the
^western portion of the Orange Free State and Griqualand West,
is to a large extent similarly covered, this occurrence of lime on
the surface, and overlying the diamond mines, is of no consequence
so far as the mine itself is concerned, though it adds to the diffi-
culty of prospecting and hides the diamond pipe from view.
OEOL.QCICAL. POSITION
OF "THE DIFFERENT
D I A MONO MINES
iPE Amygdaloid
Cave: Sandstone an.
Mol.te.no Beds
B EA U FORT
jr=J-zr-J-~-rr3 Ecoa Beds
lwyka 1
lOmerate!
Maca Ll ESBERC
Quartz itcS
DO LO MITE
CONCL OMERATE5
Schist S
Uncon fqrmity
1 RlETFONTEIN.
2. KlMBKRLEY.
3. Jagersfontein.
4. Robinson.
5. Monastery.
J A GERSFON TEIN.
Special mention is here made of this lime deposit because there
appears to be a general opinion that a diamond mine must
necessarily have such a covering, and the Rietfontein discovery
was regarded with scepticism because the lime was wanting
thereon. &
JAGERSFONTEIN.
t Beaufort beds are the prevailing rocks near Jagersfontein
which is consequently associated with a younger period than
In the next series in upward succession there is the Kaal
Valley group (Robinsons) and the Driekoppies Mine in the
KronstaH district.
Coal beds outcrop in the neighbourhood of both these mines
and fossil evidence as well as characteristics of the rocks point to
the Molteno or coal bearing strata as the system with which thev
™^T F , iim]ly ' the M0NA STERY and its neighbour the CARMEL
MINE are both in the lower or red bed portion of the Cave Sand-
stone period, and consequently appear in the .youngest sedimentary
beds on the plateau of the Orange Free State. The Monas-
tery is higher than any of the other mines. It
is 5,700 feet above the sea, Rietfontein being 5,000 feet Robin-
sons about 4,G15, Jagersfontein 4,750, and Kimberley about
4,012. J
t It will be seen from the foregoing that diamond mines occur
m Southern Africa in all geological periods ranging between the
Devonian and the Cave Sandstone or Jurassic. That they are
confined to no particular stratum or series, nor are they asso-
ciated with any one sedimentary bed, geological horizon or alti-
tude. They occur scattered about the country with nothing
definite to guide the searcher as to their position, except certain
peculiar mineral features or minute fragments of the minerals
found in company with the diamond.
When the earlier discoveries of diamond pipes were made
there was a tendency on the part of the miners to limit the possi-
ble area < ver which diamond mines would be found to a small
circle round Kimberley. The discovery of the Monastery Mine
has placed beyond the region of doubt the fact that a diamond
mine may occur in any one of the strata which is iound lower than
the pipe ajnygdaloid of the Drakensberg, and this increases the
prospecting area to a practically unlimited extent-
Rumours of diamond mines being found in the Waterber<*
and Zoutpansberg, have undoubtedly a foundation of fact to sup*
port the many stories which are brought down from those parts-
by prospectors, and there is every probability that these gems
will be discovered there in the near future.
-22 THE DIA MONO.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DIFFERENT DIAMOND MINES
ORDER OF THEIR DISCOVERY.
BULTFONTEIN MINE.
The existence of diamonds in the area lying between the
Vaal and Modder Rivers was discovered through the farmers
being induced to collect stones and submit them to the inspec-
tion of Mr. Hond,who was under the impression that the diamonds
in the Vaal River gravels were derived from some centre which
would prove to be a mine. Amongst the collections was a couple
of bottles full of pebbles which had been picked up near the
homestead on the Farm Bultfontein. These were submitted to
Mr E E Hurley, Jacobsdaal, and Mr. Hond discovered therein
one small diamond. A week later Mr. Lilienfeld, together with
Messrs. Hurley, Hond and Webb, purchased the farm, and the
public were allowed to search for diamonds on the surface,
where fragmentary and imperfect stones were discovered m
great quantities. ...
The Bultfontein Mine, from the surface downwards, is simi-
lar in many respects to the other leading mines of the Ki mberley
oroup, in having a few patches of lime tufa underlying the red
surface soil. The vellow ground continued downwards for about
100 feet in portions of the mine. The notable characteristics of
the Bultfontein Diamond Mine lies in the preponderance of
garnet and greenstone rather than of carbon ; the latter is plenti-
ful, however, as is also topaz (Dutch Boart), agate, carbon, and
numerous crystals, are found. The yield ranges from 7 carats to
40 carats per 100 loads. In general appearance a large number
of the stones found at Bultfontein are octohedron m shape, and
frosted in appearance. To a novice a parcel of Bultfontein dia-
monds would appear of very superior quality owing to their
whiteness. Closer examination shows that the majority of these
white stones are spotted, and their value much lessened in con-
sequence. Owing mainly to this detrimental feature Bultfontein
diamonds usually fetch a lower price all round than those from
other mines of the Kimberley group. Large diamonds are also
rare at Bultfontein, seldom occurring over 50 carats in weight,
and then generally of a straw colour. As in all diamond mines
the ground is very patchy, certain portions of the mine are rich
in diamonds, whilst others in close proximity are poor.
In the extreme north-east corner of the mine the yellow
ground was extremely poor, and the quality of the diamonds bad,
I)l r WITS PAN—JAGERSFONTEIN.
whereas a hundred yards to the south or south-west, the yield
was from 30 to 40 carats per 100 loads and the diamonds of good
•quality. This serves to demonstrate the important fact that no
particular spot can be accepted as a true indication of the average
value of a diamond mine, and suggest to the prospector the ad
visability of sinking holes or shafts in all quarters of the mine
before giving up all hope of success. Patchiness is a characteris-
tic of all the diamond mines of South Africa.
DU TOIT'S PAN.
This mine lies immediately eastward of Bultfontein, and it
is probable that the separation of these two mines are more
imaginary than real, and that they are connected underground.
The diamonds found in this mine are generally good in shape,
free from flaws, but of a bad colour. The deposit differs but
little from that of Bultfontein, and the blue ground was reached
.at about the same distance down. The extent of this mine ex-
ceeds that of any other diamondiferous pipe, and it is question-
able whether its limits are rearly known even yet. It is very
The discovery of the Jagersfontein Mine was prior to that of
Kimberley, but as the owner thought himself quite equal to
working the mine, no one was allowed to acquire claims
Soon, however, he recognised the advantages of allowing others to
assist him, and to peg out claims.
The mine is situated amidst dolerite hills with an open flat
piece of country to the south. The drainage water from these
hills, flowed in a channel cut through the western portion of the
mine, and it was in this that diamonds were first, found. The
mine was covered on the western side by a thick deposit of black
.alluvial soil, whilst the eastern portion lay on the slope of a hill
and in parts had a slight covering of lime tufa. On opening the
mine it was found that the greater part of it was buried beneath
what is known as " floating shale," in which but few diamonds
were found, and these only in small pockets of yellow ground con-
tained in the shale. The shale dipped towards the eastern side
of the mine, but was not one solid mass, containing in places
several claims of a deep yellow looking ground, in which diamonds
were found. The mine was more open and quite free of float
shale to the west and south, and it was this portion which was
worked with varying success.
A peculiar feature in the Jagersfontein Mine
was the varying nature of the diamondiferous material, in some
parts the yellow ground was extremely sandy with hard nodules
24 THE DIAMOND.
of the mineral cemented together by lime. In other parts a
golden yellow ground occurred, which was so soft that without ex-
erting much force a pick could be driven in to it up to the eye.
Besides the two kinds mentioned there were several others, and as
their nature varied, so did the yield in diamonds. It was no
unusual thing in the yellow ground, for a digger to find 8 or 10
carats in 40(Hoads one day, and on the next from the same
amount uf stuff to recover from 50 to 80 carats. J he erratic
yield of diamonds in the yellow ground was the cause ot many
failures in the early development of this mine from 1867 to 1884..
Fresh capital was put into the mine and the blue ground worked.
It was found that the yield from this was much more regular
than from the yellow, and at the present day the rate is from 1 1
to 13 carats per 100 loads, valued at from 37s. 6d. to 40s per
carat The diamonds from this mine are superior to those ot any
other mine in South Africa, a perfect gem is quite equal to a first-
class Brazilian stone. Besides these first-water stones, fancy
coloured ones are found, chief amongst which are brilliant choco-
late coloured gems. The associated minerals are often large, and
what are known as < burnt" garnets of a very large size are
frequent whilst some of the largest diamonds from bouth Africa
were obtained from this mine. It would almost appear as if
one could anticipate finding large diamonds when the associated
minerals are of abnormal size.
The blue ground is easily pulverised, though like all other
mines " hardbank " is encountered which will not decompose
under'any condition. The diamond pipe is enclosed by columnar
dolerite in a more or less decomposed state, but it stands well
so that the digging operations are not often retarded by falls ot
so-called " reef" into the mine. The associated minerals are
similar to those of other mines, but the stone known as " Dutch
Boart," which in reality is a topaz, is plentiful.
Close to the Jagersfontein pipe, and north-west of it, a
small pipe exists, known as " Rose's Mine," but it seems still
doubtful if diamonds occur there in any quantity. One or two
efforts were made to work it, but these were disastrous failures.
Six or eight miles to the east of the Jagersfontein a pipe
called the " Contatville " was opened in the early eighties, but
it proved to be a complete " duffer," and contained no dia-
monds. It was worked for a short time, and an ineffectual effort
was made to create some enthusiasm over its discovery, but it
was soon abandoned and is now almost forgotten.
The mineral matter in the " Contatville " pipe is extremely
micacious, and its general appearance indictes its poverty in the
OLD DE BEERS—THE KIMBERLEY MINE. iS
OLD DE BEER'S
lies about two miles from Bultfontein on the farm Vooraitzicht;
It is similar to the other mines in general characteristics, but
differs in having an intrusive dyke known as the Snake Rock
running through it in a serpentine course.
The mine was originally worked in patches, such as Schwab's
Gully and others, and for a time it was almost abandoned. De
Beers has yielded a large number of good stones and many of
It is named after the original owner of the farm Vooruitzicht
(de Beer) upon which both it and the Kimberley Mine are situated.
The yield per 100 loads is about 80 carats, and the value
per carat 27/-.
No mine is better known to the public than this valuable
diamond pipe.
It was discovered on the loth dav of July, 1871— -a red
letter day in the history of the Cape Colony. The diamond mines
previously discovered had, at this time, arrived at a critical stage
of their existence, owing to the want of system in their develop-
When Kimberley Mine was laid out into claims the Commis-
sioner (Captain Finlayson) adopted -by the advice of the more
intelligent and far seeing diggers- a S3 : stem of roadways which,
ran from north to south through the mine, and which greatly
facilitated its development.
Each claimholder allowed 7 feet (J inches of his ground to.
remain unworked, and by this means roadways 15 feet wide in-
tersected the mining area and enabled the diggers to remeve the
spoil from their claims to the sorting places. Gradually as the
workings deepened these roadways were removed, and then the
mineral was elevated to the sides of the great pit by means of
windlasses, and later on by engine-power. Mounds and hillocks
formed from the discarded material and sorted ground, grew in
size and magnitude around the mine until the level landscape
was transformed into one in which the white tents of the diggers
were relieved by a number of grey coloured gravel hills.
The surface of the ground which hid the Kimberley Mine
from view presented no indication of the great wealth beneath.
A slight rise on the sandy plain, a few kameel thorn trees, and
some patches of limestone, were all that struck the eye in glanc-
ing over the great expanse of barren territory in which it i&
situated. A more uninteresting or dreary spot can scarcely be
2« THE DIAMOND.
The late Mr. Fleetwood Rawstorne, of Colesberg, was the
discoverer of this mine. He found a diamond after about a
week's work, and the place was rushed by the diggers from the
neighbouring mines. In an incredibly short space of time a
mining camp with a population of 20,000 souls spread over the
plain, and work proceeded with such vigor, as had never been
previously witnessed on the Diamond Fields. Diamonds were
found in great quantities in some parts of the mine, though other
portions were exceedingly poor. In the centre and at the west
-end diamonds were scarce, so much so, that a huge pillar of value-
ess ground remained standing in the centre of the mine, until it-
endangered the lives of the workmen in its vicinity. The richest
spots were along the southern and the eastern poition, though the
north side had some valuable patches.
The sectional drawing, plate 3, fig. 1 , is copied from a larger
■one found among the papers of the late Mr. G. W. Stow, F.G.S.,
who sketched it at the time when the miners had reached the
It represents the principal features of the mine. The cover-
ing ot red sand lying upon white tufaceous limestone and suc-
ceeded by the yellow, and finally the blue ground and the great
-central mass of shale are clearly illustrated in this graphic sec-
The tilt of the strata surrounding the mine is also shown.
is of great extent and is poor in yield of diamonds, the richest
ground producing only 5 carats per 1 00 loads, while the average
from the claims now being worked, is barely 4 carats. This mine
•affords another illustration of the patchiness of diamond pipes.
Fully one-half of it being extremely poor, not yielding more than
.2 carats per 100 loads.
There is a great similarity between the mineral of this mine
;and that contained in the Bultfontein pipe. Garnets and green-
stone predominating, while carbon is less plentiful. A striking-
peculiarity of both these mines is the apparent absence of all
affinity between the carbon and garnets, where the former is
plentiful the garnet is scarce and vice versa, but in no case does
the number of diamonds appear to be affected by the abundance
or scarcity of either the carbon and garnet.
THE MONASTERY DIAMOND MINE.
This takes its name from the Farm on which it is situated,
and which lies at the north base of the Clocolan Mountain, in
the District of Winburg and about 36 miles distant from that
BBBBWiiili itn n i iiiiiiihi n nitfiiiniiiAiifiiii n iriumtrmii miij- aiiirrmi""r~r rnr ^Tr -~~ mimi ArfiiifmiTHtl — *"
■^Maowawaawaap
Plate 3, Pia. 1.
THE KJMBERLY DIAMOND MINE IN 1871,
after G. W. Stow. F. G. S.
Jf R£D EARTH VdNS.
"ACMtNTj or SHALE.
or DIABASE.
- 1 -+■< ,
«V* RED S *i|<-
$# LIME TUFA
Horizontal ll n = 15QFt.
V^rttc^i lin- Sort
:±V r t-
-i- 3 - r - -) - -x-[ •;• ' '.'i-r ■ ■▼ . •* a -
\>^_v| »•• v— , — L
/ £.
.1 _ (
i. 1£ I
jr.1~ — L ~ — 4
Jr*fa
Plate 3, Pig. 2.
THE RIETFONTEIN (PRETORIA) MINE.
ED SOI U
ELLOW GROUND
THE NONA STER Y DIAMOND MINE. 27
The existence of diamonds were determined about 25 years
.-ago, a farmer, who named the mine " Viljoen's Rush," by which
title it is still known to the farmers locally.
This mine has had a most unfortunate career, owing princi-
pally to incompetent management and obsolete machinery The
diamonds found there are generally of good quality, and some
have realised high prices, but the yield has fluctuated between
6 carats and 20 carats per 100 loads.
The most interesting features about this diamond mine are
that it is situated in the highest sedimentary deposit on the
great inland plateau, that it is 5,700 feet above sea level, and
that there are evidences of its having been worked at some time
previous to the discovery of diamonds in South Africa. Human
remains and iron implements have been unearthed from a depth
of about 25 feet, and the whole surface of the mine appears to
have been turned over to an average depth of about 10 het
Evidence collected from native sources points to the working of
this mine by the Basutos to obtain the black glittering fragments
•of carbon for the decoration of the Basuto ladies, but not to any
mining for diamonds. At the present time a certain amount of
carbon is sold annually to the Basutos, and they state that for
about a century past they have been in the habit of obtaining
their supplies of this article of female adornment from this spot
The " carbons " and " garnets " obtained from the Monas-
tery are phenomenally large, many of the former weighing ever
one pound, and aggregations of the latter equal to about 6lbs. in
The yellow and blue ground are not distinctly separated as
in other mines, and there are large masses of "hard bank" in
both the blue and yellow up to within a short distance of the
In this instance again there was no outward sign of the
existence of a diamond mine, the small shallow valley which runs
parallel with the side of the Clocolan Mountain, was about the
last place a prospector would look for a diamond mine : but the
old workings visible as small mounds, but slightly elevated above
the surface, yielded a few scattered carbons and garnets, and
these gave the prospector (Viljoen) sufficient evidence to induce
him to sink, with the result that diamond bearing soil was ex-
There is no mine in the country that has greater possibilities
than this one. Hitherto the workings have been confined to one
small isolated portion of the property, notwithstanding the fact
that the diamondiferous ground is known to cover an area which
would indicate that this is the largest pipe > yet discovered in South
28 THE DIAMOND.
It is possible that the portion which has been operated upon
is the most barren in the mine, and that there are rich spots as
there are in all other mines.
With vigorous and efficient management the Monastery
Mine will some day take a leading part in the diamond output of
the Orange Free State. Its yield has varied from 6 to 20 carats
per 100 loads. Some of the diamonds found in this mine have
been classed with the best Brazilian stones.
THE ROBINSON DIAMOND MINE.
This mine, from which so much was expected, but* which
has not yet proved to be remunerative, is situated on the Farm
Kaal Valley in the District of Ventersburg, and about 12 miles
north-west from the Ventersburg Road Station of the Orange
Free State line of railway. m
The geological period in which this volcanic diamondiferous
pipe appears on the surface is at the base of the Molteno beds,
and consequently its orifiice is in a younger strata than that of
Kimberley and Jagersfontein.
Surrounding the mine there arc layers oi shale and sand-
stone tilted on the north side to an angle of about 45 degrees as
in the Kimberley mine. The mine is roughly oval in shape, and
the longer axis of the oval lies in the direction north-east and
south-west. .
There was no indication of the existence ot a diamond mine
on the surface of the ground, which was composed of chocolate-
coloured soil. No limestone lay on the surface, neither was
there an encircling ring of greenstone such as is generally sup-
posed to indicate the presence of a pipe.
The existence of the diamond was first suspected by the
discovery of pieces of carbon, found in the earth that had been
brought to the surface by an ant bear, and this was sufficient to
encourage the prospectors to sink, with the result that a number
of diamonds of good quality were discovered, and the mine was
ultimately sold to the Robinson Diamond Mining Company.
The yellow ground in this mine reached a depth of about 40
feet, when blue ground, identical with that of the Kimberley
Mine, was struck.
The Robinson mineis not yet in the outputstage, the yield per
load is unknown, but trial washings gave about 8 carats per 100
loads. The diamonds were of superior quality.
RIETFONTEIN, PRETORIA.
That diamondiferoiis pipes should exist so far distant from
the centres which had been discovered in the^Bftrlf days of
RIBTFONTEIN. PRETORIA .
mining was generally disbelieved. The Robinson and Driekoppies
Mines proved the extension of the area in which they might be
sought for beyond its originally circumscribed limits, but the
discovery of the Rietfontein Mine was a revelation t<> geologists
as well as to miners.
The discovery of this mine is another instance of the triumph
of science over dogmatism. Blue ground could not possibly exist
on the surface was an article of the diamond diggers creed, and
therefore even experienced men overlooked the small patch of
hard blue ground which cropped up through the Magaliesberg
* quartzites, and ridiculed the idea that a diamond mine could be
found therein. Kimberley and most of the better known mines
were in the shales, and there was no shale at Rietfontein.
The white lime was missing on the surface and the surround-
ing ring was wanting, but the discoverers had recognised the true
character of the mineral, and they remained unshaken in their
• opinion, even when opposed by men of great experience.
Finally, diamonds were found in quantity, and the
results are most gratifying to Messrs. Draper and Frames, whose
connection with this discovery was published in the local papers
in September, 1897, to the owners, and to prospectors in general,
to whose investigations a new field has been opened.
Mr. Frames discovered the first diamond in washing the
yellow ground, though the owner of the farm (Mr. van der Merwe)
had picked up a small stone on the surface near the present mine
Rietfontein Mine differs in many respects, as shown above,
from the majority of diamond mines. The mineral in which the
diamonds are found is not quite the same in appearance, though
it is of similar composition to that of other mines.
There is but a small quantity of yellow ground at Rietfon-
tein, and " hard bank " is the form of the bulk of the mineral.
There is little hope of softer mineral being reached, and
greater probability that the density of the hard bank will increase.
This will necessitate the employment of crushing machinery
similar to that in use at some of the other mines.
Rietfontein is probably the smallest diamondiferous pipe that
has yet been discovered, but it also appears to be phenomenally
rich, though the bulk of the diamonds found hitherto are not of
very good quality, and a large proportion are fragmentary.
Section 2, Plate 3 shows a section across the Rietfontein
Aline from south to north at the time of its discovery.
3o THE DIAMOND.
HOW TO PROSPECT FOR DIAMONDS AND THE PLANT"
REQUIRED.— By M. E. Frambs.
When the prospector decides upon investigating a certain
area, he should be provided with the ( necessary appliances and
implements to conduct his operations in a systematic and work-
manlike manner. In addition to the ordinary prospecting gear
of picks, shovels, etc., he should have three sieves of different
meshes to be used as will be pointed out later on. The one sieve
should be coarse enough to allow a stone of the size of a very
large pea to pass through, the next in size to allow stones as big
as large pins heads to pass, whilst the third one should
be so fine as to allow of the free passage of mud and sand only.
These three sizes the prospector will find sufficient for all practi-
cal purposes. Having procured his outfit the next question is
which is the most likely locality to search for diamonds. Natur-
ally the choice falls on'those districts where diamond pipes are
known to exist, as such localities are more likely to contain other
mines which may possibly be hidden from view. As described
in chapter VII, the diamond pipes appear to occur
traversing the country in more or less straight lines.
Wherever streams run through a farm, or dry dongas
and valleys occur, the gravels contained in them should
be systematically searched. The modus- operandi to be followed
by the investigator will greatly depend upon the physical feature
of the country, and also the distance of water from the ground
under investigation and other circumstances. Should a stream
occur on the property the gravel along its bed and banks should
be first put through the coarse-sized sieve, and can either be
^S sieved direct into the next sized one, or on to a clear piece of
^X ground. After two or three hundred weight of gravel has been
sifted, the intermediate sized sieve should be used, and then the
finer to shake out the dust and sand. After this has been
accomplished the intermediate sieve should be about half filled
with gravel or ground, and vigorously shaken with a circular mo-
tion inthe water. The matter in which this is done is to sink the
sieve beneath the surface of the water, holding it in the hands
and spinning it round from left to right, then from right to left,
until the gravel contained in it is free of mud. The sieve should
be moved backwards and forwards, as if it had an
axle passed through its centre and it were being tinsted in
a half circle, first to the right then the left. Either water in
the stream can be used to pan in, or tubs provided for the pur-
pose. When the gravel is free of mud the sieve should be shaken
steadily up and down, and when it is evenly distributed over the
HOW TO PROSPECT FOR DIAMONDS. 81
bottom, the up and down motion should gradually coase. On
lifting the sieve from the water it should be held in a slanting posi-
tion to allow the surplus water to run oft". An open space free of
grass, should then be selected and the sieve turned completely over
so as to expose the heavy gravel which has gravitated to the bottom
of the sieve. This turning over of the sieve is not easily accom-
plished and requires practice. The operator should let the sieve
lightly rest in the palms of his hands and swing it away from his
body, at the same time lifting it into such a position that it
can readily be turned bottom upwards, after which it should be
brought down smartly on the ground The prospector will find a
kneeling position the most convenient to accomplish this feat.
Whatever heavy material may exist will have gravitated to the
bottom of the sieve by the process described above, and on its com-
plete reversal will be found exposed to view on the surface. Each
sieve thus dealt with must be carefully searched and its surface
lightly scratched over. Pebbles which present any peculiarities
should be taken and carefully inspected, crystals that appear to
resemble the diamond should be submitted to the tests already
mentioned in the earlier pages of this book. After the interme-
diate ground has been treated the very fine sieve should be used,
and this material should be more carefully dealt with than any
of the coarser sizes. The prospector will do well
to examine the proceeds of this seiving under a
magnifying glass. Any carbons, garnets, or olivine
crystals must be taken out and submitted to the mag-
nifying glass so as to be certain of their genuineness. Should
the prospector be fortnnate enough to find any of the minerals
associated with the diamond in the stream, he should proceed
further up along its course and try the gravels,
sands, etc., and if these minerals are still en-
countered, he should continue the operation until
they cease to appear. He will now he certain that the mine
is not far distant, and must be on one side or the other of the
stream, or perhaps in its bed. He mnst now be
careful and ascertain from which side of the stream these indica-
tions of the diamond enter, after ascertaining which it is com-
paratively easy to follow the trail until the mine is met with.
Should the stream fail to show any indication of a diamond pipe
in its vicinity, the dry courses cut by the rains, should be investi-
gated, and some of the gravels carried to the nearest water and
treated as has already been explained. After investigating all
the hollows, valleys, streams, and dry dongas or water courses
without encountering any encouraging results, the prospector
should select certain areas and take these in rotation and examine
them almost foot by foot. Some of the sand can be carried to
the water and carefully panned in the finest sieve. The associ-
32 THE DIAMOND.
&ted minerals must be carefully sought for in these fine sands,
■as they are easily overlooked.
The prospector need not be anxious to seek diamonds or the
•associated mineials in the coarse gravel of the first sieve, as he is
much more likely to be successful in the finer material. Diamonds
•ot a large size are by no means so very plentiful, neither are large
fragments of the associated minerals frequent, and much time is
often lost in seeking these. The wash known to diamond miners
as " fine sand," should receive the closest attention, and in our
•experience has resulted in the greatest number of successes. In
the event of failure in discovering the indications in the gravels
and sands accumulated by the rush of water during the rainy
season, the prospector must not be discouraged, as often the pipes
are covered by superficial deposits such as sand, lime, etc., which
tend to protect the mine from erasion in fiat countiy. It is
always well for him to pay careful attention to soil thrown up by
such burrowing animals as the ant bear, meercat, etc. These
■creatures have led to the discovery, in one or two
instances, of diamond pipes which placed the fortunate finder in
possession of great wealth. Every change in the prevailing colon 1
•of the soil should be noted, and the reason for such change care-
fully investigated. The various colours given to the soil by the
decomposition of different rocks cannot here be explained as it
might confuse the prospector, and we shall therefore point out
the most prominent features which might denote the existence of
a mine. Perhaps the prospector on passing over the country
notices one patch more or less circular in form, different in colour
to the prevailing tint. The reason for this should be looked into
and some of the sand panned at the nearest water to ascertain if
any indications of the precious gems exist. Should nothing be
found he can push his investigations further afield. On the other
hand, if he finds the minerals he is in search of, he should at
once sink a small shaft testing the gravel and
sand every few feet as he sinks down. lie may, by
this means, encounter the yellow ground, which has been des-
cribed in a previous chapter Should such be the case, the pros-
pector may now be certain of having hit upon a diamond pipe, and
he is fully justified in spending a little capital in judiciously test-
ing its richness in diamonds. This can be done by dry sifting three
ot four loads of the stuff at the shaft, and then panning it in
tubs provided for the purpose. By sifting out the
sand by the dry process the water contained in the tubs will not
be used up so soon, and grading the stuff to various sizes by the
method already explained, will be found to be the quickest and
mast convenient process of procedure. The tubs should be the
two halvesof a hogshead, one being used to rough pan the ground
in, whilst the other one should always be set aside with clean water
fc*—
HOW TO PROSPECT FOR DIAMONDS.
to finish the panning, so as to thoroughly clean the wash, thereby
minimising the chance of overlooking any diamonds. By this
method it will be found that three or four tubs of water can be
made to go a long way in case water is scarce or far distant. After
manipulating the number of loads of ground mentioned, though
perhaps no diamonds have been found, the prospector will be able
to form some idea, by an inspection of the heavy deposit
exposed on the overturned sieve full of ground, what prospect he
has of rinding diamonds. Operations should not be confined to one
locality, it is always an advantage to test the pipe in several
places, for the sufficient reason that diamond mines are not of an
even richness, some spots being much richer than others, whilst
some are nearly barren. If diamonds are found those recovered
from the surface soil should be kept separate from those actually
taken from the vellow or blue ground. It should be noted
that the first-mentioned souce is misleading, and in estimating
the yield per 100 loads, the diamond matrix, or yellow ground,
can alone supply the necessary data, as the surface soil probably
contains many diamonds which have gravitated down, as the pipe
has been slowly worn away under subrenal influences. If the
results are encouraging, then a small rotary pan should be erected
on a convenient spot near the mine, and systematic treatment ot
the ground gone in for. It will not be necessary to give a des-
cription of the machinery required, or how it is worked, for once
having found a diamond mine, it is an easy task to obtain the
services of a good practical man — and many of these are to be
found — to direct and control the future operations.
I trust the foregoing few hints to the seeker after wealth,
together with the description of how to manipulate the sieves,
will prove sufficiently clear and comprehensive to be of value to
him I fully realise the difficulty of so exactly explaining the
details of the modus operandi that it can be readily grasped by
the unpractised person ; but I am convinced that any one, no
matter how new to the process, will successfully handle the sieves
if he will follow the instructions I have given. Our friend the
"" new chum " need not be discouraged at failing to overturn the
sieve without disturbing the gravitated contents, as success can
only come with practice. If the prospector is only shown how
gravitating the gravel and overturning the sieve is accomplished,
he will be able to do it himself within a few hours, and within a
week will he be an adept at it.
All stones which resemble a diamond in any
way should be put to one side for careful scrutiny
later on, when some of the tests already given can be applied. It
would be ^s well for the prospector who is unacquainted with the
diamond to provide himself with a glazier's diamond. If the
stone, suspected to be a diamond, is easily scratched then it is
not the precious gem ; if scratched on great pressure being exerted
it Ls probably one of the conundum family (sapphire) ; if marked
without much difficulty, a topaz ; but if scratched with extreme
difficulty or uot at all, it is a diamond. It would also be advis-
able for the prospector to carry a few bits of garnets, carbon,
olivine, etc., with him for the sake of comparison, and also to
show to farmers and natives for the purpose of ascertaining if
they know any locality where these minerals occur. It may happen
that such a locality is known to the farmer or one of his cattle
herdsmen and the prospector for a small remuneration may be led
direct to the mine. A fragment of the yellow ground (oxidized
mineral) and a piece of the " blue" will be found invaluable for
the purpose of comparing with rocks in the field, and those not
well up in the diamond matrix should provide themselves with
tl^se and make themselves acquainted with their outward ap-
The writer hopes that he has made himself sufficiently clear
on points of vital importance to the prospector, and trusts lie has
supplied the necessary data for practical use. An avoidance of
technical terms has been observed, and the subjeGt dealt with
in this chapter presented to the ordinary prospector in language
which he will easily comprehend.
WHERE IV SEARCH FOR DIAMONDS. 3&
WHERE TO SEARCH FOR DIAMONDS.
Before the announcement that the Monastery Mine was situ-
ated in the Cave Sandstone or uppermost sedimentary bed of the
Karoo Series, was made by Mr. Draper about a year ago, the fact
that diamonds were not confined to the IiOwer Karo© or Kimberley
Shales was not recognised.
The position of the Monastery Mine in the geological
sequence of the South African rocks, has practically increased the
area wherein diamond bearing volcanic pipes may be found, to an
extent, limited only by the shores of this continent.
There is now no doubt but that the period wherein some of the
diamond pipes reached the surface, was not earlier than the Cave
Sandstone (Jurassic), and that those which now appear on the
surface, surrounded by rocks of the Molteno, Beaufort, Ecca, or
Magaliesberg periods, have either been lowered to their present
geological position by denudation or they came to the surface
since the country had rece'nvi] a great portii/n of its present
surface outlines.
It will be reasonable to assume that the epoch of diamond
pipes was confined to one period of time, and that all the mines
are of one age chronologically. If this is not the case, then the
alternative of a number of successive eruptions, similar in operation
and containing identical mineral ogical features, but with great
intervening lapses of time, must be accounted for.
Then again, there appears to be a certain regularity of
occurrence, along distinct lines which these eruptions favoured,
and in the course of which diamonds are found to-day. One of
these runs apparently in a north-easterly direction intersecting
the Jagersfontein, Robinson, Driekoppes, and Rietfontein (Pre-
toria) Mines, and it is interesting to note that if this line is
extended south-westward into the Cape Colony, it intersects the
pipe which was worked years ago on the farm Klein Andriesfon-
tein, near Hanover, and that the diamond finds near the
Inlandsche Zee, and on the Keller property, in the Orange Free
State, lie along what was probably this line of fissure or fault.
If this line is extended north-eastward \\t passes slightly to the
eastward of the Springl>ok Flats, where diamonds are reported
to have been found, and terminates in the Klein Letaba >
from whence diamonds have been obtained.
It is also interesting to note that the " pipe amygdaloid ' of
the Drakensberg, which possibly indicates another line ot " fissure
irruption " runs in the same direction as the line of diamond mines
and parallel with it, and that the principal faults in the Wit-
watersrand, Magaliesberg, and Gatsrand have a somewhat similar
direction of strike.
When one critically examines a diamond pipe it is difficult
to believe that it represents a small hole, which has been punc-
tured in the earth's crust by some force acting from within. It
is more natural to assume that a fault, or fracture occurred,
and that the diamond pipes are simply bulges or irregu-
larities in the line of fault, and that these served as passages
through which the molten or plastic mineral, carrying the dia-
monds, found its way to the surface.
Dr. Molengraaff some years ago published this theory in a
little work on South African Geology, entitled "' Schets van de
Bodemgesteldheid van de Zuid Afrikaansche Republiek, etc.,"
door G. A. F. Molengraatt, and published by E. J. Brill, Leiden,
On page41 of theabove-mentioned pamphlet there is adiagram,
illustrating the direction of several of these Hues of fracture, and
though this is correct so far as the knowledge of diamond mines at
the time the book was published is concerned, recent discoveries,
coupled with the previously known facts, show that there is great
probability that the principal line of fissure runs in the direction
described in these pages, and that it is along this line that the
most important discoveries of diamonds will be made. Prospec-
tors are therefore advised to search in the direction of and along
the line which is indicated in the map attached.
Naturally a fissure or fault would not adhere to a perfectly
straight line, there would be a certain amount of irregularity in its
course which must be taken into consideration ; but the principal
matter to be observed is general direction, and that can be best
ascertained by examining a larger map of South Africa, and notic-
ing the direction in which the line of diamond pipes, previously
mentioned, takes and then either extending this at either end or
searching in the country which lies between the already dis-
We would, however, caution those who are new to the busi-
ness that there are many blanks to a prize in diamond prospect-
ing. Every volcanic pipe is not a payable diamond mine, and
many are perfect " duffers." Nor are the garnets, carbons and
greenstones infall ble in their indication of a diamond mine.
Though the diamondljbas never been discovered except in their
company, they haw Seen found in abundance without the diamond.
I^Biww«mmmJ3IHI
mt**tm**mt+m mm Hm* J il t *m i* ■ *
MAP OF SOUTH AFRICA, SHOWING POSITION OF THE PRINCIPAL DIAMOND MINES THUS
Plate *. ALLUVIAL DIAMOND BEARING GRAVELS SHOWN THUS «
3C <^ I & 7i/ cl r
&REA1
NAMA Q TJ-A.
Hiif/lish MHcc
CfapelVv
DIAMOND PIPES : 1. Rietfontein (Pretoria). 2. Driekoppies. 3. Robinson. 4. Keller? 5. Jagersfontein. 6. Klein Andriesfontein
7. Kimberley Group. 8. Monastery. 9.\Carmel.
Note. — The Arrow points in the direction of the Main Fracture described on page 35. . .
1 1 i ■ r : . -I.!..,- , ., -r. ,
A FEW HINTS TO PROSPECTORS.
In searching for a diamond mine don't look for a circle of
dolerite or igneous rock. No mine that has yet been discovered
had such an enclosing circle. Kimberley was utterly devoid of
There was in fact nothing on the surface to denote the
presence of the richest diamond mine that has yet been dis-
covered. No kopje or hillock nor circular enclosure of igneous
rock, nothing but a rise of a few feet in the plain, a few chunks
of white limestone peeping through the red sand, and several
kameel thorn tree scattered about the surface.
Limestone tufa is no indication of a diamond mine. This
feature was certainly associated with the Kimberley and Wessel-
ton Mines, but was absent from most of the others and utterly
wanting at Rietfontein.
Search diligently in the stuff brought to the surface by the
burrowing animals. These are good prospectors, and their work
costs nothing. They give a general idea of what is under the
surface for a distance of several feet. % m
If a patch of different coloured soil is noticeable, and if this
is in a roughly circular shape, it will be well to examine it care-
fully. . . ,.
Though not giving this as a hard and fast rule, most^ dia-
mond mines have^a red earthy covering due to the decomposition
of the diamond bearing mineral itself probably. This was parti-
cularly in evidence on the Rietfontein Mine, where a small pateh
of bright red soil was surrounded by an encircling line of white
or grey earth. The red patch indicated the extent of the mine
to within a few feet. . .
Don't be afraid to search for a diamond mine anywhere in
South Africa (at any rate so far north as the Limpopo). There is
no limit to the area in which it may be found, either in geological
position or in the altitude above sea level.
Notice whether a certain number of mines appear to follow
a distinct direction, and if so proceed to examine the inter-
vening country or extend the prospecting operations in either
direction beyond the outside mines. A line of fissure may exist
in that direction^ and possibly certain swellings or pipes exist
which may contain diamonds. .
The majority of diamond mines discovered up to date have
been richer on the surface than in depth : Kimberley I>u ioiti s
Pan, and Bultfontein are notable examples of this feature which,
in all probability, is due to a process of weathering, to which the
mineral in the pipes has been subjected.
38 THE DIAMOND.
The diamond, being practically indestructible, would survive
for the most lengthy period, whereas the accessory minerals, and
especially the matrix, would disintegrate, and crumble into pow-
<ler, which would be removed from its original home, by the sum-
mer rains and winter winds.
The upper portions of the diamond pipes really contain the
■concentrates produced by surface weathering, hence their richoes*
in the diamond, and its more durable companions.
THE FIRST LAW FOR THE REGULATION
DIAMOND MINING IN SOUTH AFRICA.
STAFFORD PARKER, Esq.,
FIRST PRESIDENT OF THE KLIP RIVER DIAMOND
ELECTED JULY 30th, 1870.
RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE VAAL RIVER
1st,— Every man to be allowed 20 feet square. No party
•claims to exceed six in number, whose sole claim must be taken
2nd.— The boundary of each claim to be distinctly marked,
•and such marks at all times to be kept free from rubbish.
8rd. — All claims to have free access at all times for the
removal of wash dirt over any other claims that may be at work.
4th. — No claims to be allowed to throw their rubbish upon
their neighbour's claim without permission.
oth. — Should any dispute arise between two or more parties
respecting their claim, such dispute shall be settled by the arbi-
tration of four assessors appointed by the partievS in dispute, and
a referee to be called in by the assessors, if necessary, whose den-
ion shall be final.
6 th.— Should any party or parties mark oft" more ground than
allowed by these rules, any other person shall have the option of
taking the surplus ground from any side of such claim he may
L hink proper.
7th. — Each man to be allowed fifty feet frontage along
8th. — Any person discovering a new run or patch of dia-
monds shall, upon reporting the same to a committee appointed
be entitled to four ordinary claims, and such report to be posted
up in a conspicuous place on the present diggings, stating the
locality ; and should he fail in reporting, and another person
finds payable ground in the same locality, the first person report-
ing shall be entitled to the prospecting claim.
9th. — No party shall be allowed to remain absent from his
claim more than three successive working days, unless in case of
sickness, work in conjunction with his claim as washing, etc., or
pressing business, when a notice must be posted up on his claim
stating the time of his absence, after which time the claim shall
be considered as abandoned.
10th. — No man shall be allowed more than one claim at the
11th.— Any person against whom it shall be proved as having
picked up a diamond upon a claim belonging to another and not
restoring it to the owner of such claim immediately, shall be con-
sidered as a thief and expelled the diggings.
12th. — No heap of dirt upon any abandoned claim shall be
considered as private property, unless it can be shown to a
committee that some accident, such as rain, breakage of wagon,
etc., has prevented the washing or sieving of such heap of dirt.
13th. — That no party or parties shall be allowed more than
\\\e niggers to work their claim.
WEIGHTS USED FOR PRECIOUS STONES.
... ... ... i v^aTctx
... 1 oz Troy
A diamond grain is equal to 0.8 of a troy grain.
HARDNESS AND SPECIFIC GRAVITY OF THE
PRINCIPAL PRECIOUS STONES.
Carbonado or Black
Boart ...
9 3.9 to 4.1
8 3.4 to 3.6
7.5 4.0 to 4.7
6.5 to 7.5 3.15 to 4.3 Red.
8 3.5 Red.
Grey, lead colour.
Straw, white.
These will sink in the gravity Solution of sp. gr. of 3.17.
These will float on the gravity Solution as abore.
Black, rose.
White, transparent.
2.5 to 2 8
White on darker
5. to 0.
1.9 to 2
Telegraphic Address .
" BOILERS."
Mareing and Neav3's, 1395,
and ABC Codes used.
H. f. C. KEYMER,
Box 2729, JOHANNESBURG.
itOR MACHINERY of the latest and most complete character
jj for treating Diamond if erous Soil, Rocks, etc., H. J. C.
Kkymer represents the best Manufacturer^, and, with the largest
experience in such manufactures, will be pleased to advise upon
the Machinery suitable, prepare Plans, and carry out the erection
of the same, if required.
Also Agent for (til up-to-date
Steam, Electrical, and Water-power Plants,
And will be pleased to Quote for any of the above on
TAYLOR and CO., chemists & druggists,
PRITCHARD ST., VON BRANSI3 SQUARE,
LARGE STOCKS OF CHEMICALS
$Ub $pp<xrafu6 requisite for QsB<x$in$
Ores. (UXtncrafB. etc.
So'ution for taking the Specific Gravity
Cases of Chemicals and Test Apparatus . .
. . . Prepared to Order for Prospectors.
NEW & SECOND-HAND
Engines (Driving and Winding),
Boilers, Diamond Drills,
Pumps, Rails, Piping, Trucks, Tents,
Jumper Drills, Winches, Hose,
* J ' Engine and Boiler Fittings,
Windlasses, etc., etc.
PROSPBCTOR
DIAMOND FARMS REPORTED UPON.
HAnOLD S. HAttGER.
4, GREEN'S BUILDINGS,
j"oiH:-A_isr:isr:E sbtjrg-.
P.O. Box 1945.
P.O Box 1945.
Mi':'

value: An archive is an accumulation of historical records – in any media – or the physical facility in which they are located. Archives contain primary source documents that have accumulated over the course of an individual or organization's lifetime, and are kept to show the function of that person or organization.


type: global

value: Overstock, excessive stock, excess2sell, B-stock, or excess inventory, is the result of poor management of stock demand or of material flow in process management. Excessive stock is also associated with loss of revenue owing to additional capital bound with the purchase or simply storage space taken.


text:
The Days and Nights of Tiny Montgomery: One of these mornings/You're going to rise up singing/Then you'll spread your wings/And you'll take to the sky
One of these mornings/You're going to rise up singing/Then you'll spread your wings/And you'll take to the sky
Laptop Assholery, Part 3
Another Thursday has dawned with both Steve and I sharing a day off so I suggested we have another day (or at least morning) of laptop assholery. Since Michael is unavailable and working, we are ensconced at Park Avenue Coffee in Lafayette Square. You see, we can't come here with Michael because he has slept with someone who works here. One supposes it didn't turn out well, or perhaps he neglected to offer the poor fellow the obligatory slice of get-lost pizza upon parting. Whatever the reason, we're here at the home of 700 different flavors of gooey butter cake. They also have a Help Wanted sign posted. More on that later...
Walking up Park Avenue, we passed the house right next door to Arcelia's. I don't often have house or property envy (what's the point?) but we heard voices and laughter coming from the lush sideyard patio of the house and peeked in. Already absolutely envious of party sounds at 9:30 in the a.m., I seethed at the sight of a giant, gorgeous scarlet macaw perched on the elevated deck. At least it wasn't a hyacinth macaw -- I might have staged a coup...or at least invited ourselves in.
A celebrity of sorts came in for an Americano while we've sat here. Although not as glamorous as the Cardinal who frequents our store, a local TV reporter has some cache. By the way, both of these guys look better in person.
A week or so ago, my [very big corporate] employer announced the impending closing of 600 of its stores in the US. Steve shared the bad news that the newspaper reported 70% of the doomed stores were opened in the last year and were in close proximity to another location. So we held our breath, hoping for the best. On Tuesday, we got the bad news -- our beautiful, comfy, brand new, built to order store is closing. At this point we have only a vague idea when we're closing (sometime between August and March), and no idea whether or not we will have jobs. Of course, if we are offered another job it will be at a different location and will separate us. While I know that my paycheck and the cheap insurance are very important aspects of my job, all I could think of is that I won't have Michael by my side, getting me through my work days. We have a meeting with HR on Tuesday, so I suppose we'll know more after that. Or not. Having gone through this whole sort of thing too recently at May Company, I can only be pessimistic about the Man's dedication to the ground level workforce. Honestly, I can't believe I'm going through this again. I really don't want to think about it. But because I don't want to lose what little seniority I have, plus my insurance, I do need to wait and see what's offered before I look elsewhere.
Oh, and to add to Bad News Tuesday, I have apparently overestimated my value (and/or my DJ skills) to the community radio station with which I've been involved for many years. I'm ready to resume my radio show (which I've had for more years than not since 1989 or so) and have been standing by for some changes to open up a slot. But rather than being offered the prime, high profile slot I thought (and I was not alone in this thinking) I was getting, it was just mentioned as a possibility, though not as strong a possibility as two other slots, one of which was just plain insulting to even consider. The other is too conflicting with my work schedule (assuming I have a work schedule), but that didn't seem to make an impression. Again, more wait and see.
Doesn't anyone understand just how much I hate wait and see situations? *Sigh*
Now I have to figure out how to spend the rest of my day. Steve's going to lunch with his mom and I'm heading to Trader Joe's for cheap wine and whatever else strikes my fancy. Maybe a detour to Target for something cute to wear. After that, who knows? I have work early early tomorrow (but with Michael, so, yay!) so it won't be a late night. Gotta figure out something good to cook...
Posted by Cat Pick at 7/10/2008 09:10:00 AM
WHY would they open a store then close it right away?!!
Corporate America does not make sense to me. At all.
Things will work out, I hope!
Why, indeed. Corporate America seems to be smoking crack much of the time.
I'm sure things will work out fine. I'm just hoping I have to put out a minimum of effort. :)

value: Blogger is an American online content management system (CMS) which enables multi-user blogs with time-stamped entries. Pyra Labs developed it before being acquired by Google in 2003.


text:
Average income banner store Jobs, Ansættelse | Freelancer
Søger du Average income banner store Freelancere eller Jobs?
Brug for hjælp til Average income banner store? Ansæt en freelancer i dag! Er du specialiseret i Average income banner store? Brug dine Average income banner store færdigheder og begynd at tjene penge online i dag! Freelancer er den største markedsplads for jobs i verden. Der er i øjeblikket 17.764 jobs, der venter på at du begynder at arbejde!
Average income banner store Jobs:
Income Tax Calculator - Android App Hi i need income tax calculator android app. First get details from users like pay, gender, name and extra details... and then i will give formulas (excel sheet), so finally i app shows how much tax will pay to government. After showing user will get 4 page A4 sheet output with his fetching data. Output also need word format. I will give tax calculation (excel) formulas and A4 Size (word format... 25 Java, Mobile App Development, Excel, Android, C# Programmering Dec 16, 2017 I dag6d 10h €68
Real Estate Copywriter with experience writing sales emails to high income investors. We are seeking investors for our real estate projects. Sending emails to high income potential investors 23 Copywriting, Markedsføring, Ghostwriting, Article Writing, Skrivning Dec 14, 2017 Dec 14, 20174d 20h €282
Traffic to my Website. Facebook Business Profile.Reaching out to Self Employed looking for an Income Opportunity I need some help with internet marketing. 32 Internet Markedsføring, Google Adwords, Facebook Marketing, Digital Marketing, Brand Marketing Dec 10, 2017 Dec 10, 201711h 39m €131
App where I manage my budget, track my income exp, watch my networth, add my share & mutual fund in screen I need an Android app. I would like it designed and built. 6 Mobile App Development, Android Dec 10, 2017 Dec 10, 201710h 58m €21
Project for eRezeki Global High Income Participants -- 9 Hello, everyone! I need a catchy SLOGAN for eRezeki Global High Income Program. In your proposal please include the at least one slogan. May the best slogan win. 30 Grafisk Design, Logo Design, Slogan, Kreativ Skrivning, Catch Phrases Dec 9, 2017 Dec 9, 20173h 33m €5
I am looking for ways to earn passive income I need some help with finding some leads. Web traffic and SEO for clickbank 8 Leads Dec 9, 2017 Dec 9, 20171h 38m €67
Income Statement (Profit & Loss Statement) & Balance Sheet ou are being issued with a list of balances extracted from the books of Electrical Contracting Ltd (see page 9 and page 10 of that document). From that list of balances extracted from the books of Electrical Contracting Ltd you are to prepare a Profit and Loss Statement for the year ended 31st December 2014 and a Balance Sheet as at that date. You are required to: Prepare the Profit and Loss... 15 Databehandling, Dataindførsel, Regnskab, Excel, Finans Dec 9, 2017 Dec 9, 2017Udløbet €88
Income Statement (Profit & Loss Statement) & Balance Sheet You are being issued with a list of balances extracted from the books of Electrical Contracting Ltd (see page 9 and page 10 of that document). From that list of balances extracted from the books of Electrical Contracting Ltd you are to prepare a Profit and Loss Statement for the year ended 31st December 2014 and a Balance Sheet as at that date. You are required to: Prepare the Profit and Los... 28 Databehandling, Dataindførsel, Regnskab, Excel, Finans Dec 8, 2017 Dec 8, 2017Udløbet €26
Fixed income Answer questions related to finance and fixed income. skills needed in finance, and fixed income. Excel spreadsheet is done For further instructions please refer to the attached document. and contact me 29 Databehandling, Excel, Statistikker, Finans, Finansanalytiker Dec 6, 2017 Dec 6, 2017Udløbet €104
Average Min Entropy Analysis I am looking for help in conducting an analysis. This analysis will be based on average min-entropy. please contact me for further details. 10 Algoritme, Computer Sikkerhed, Kryptografi, Matlab and Mathematica, Statistisk analyse Dec 5, 2017 Dec 5, 2017Udløbet €105
Project for eRezeki Global High Income Participants Hello, everyone! I need a catchy slogan for eRezeki Global High Income Program. In your proposal please include the at least one slogan. May the best slogan win. 0 Grafisk Design, Logo Design, Slogan, Kreativ Skrivning, Catch Phrases Dec 2, 2017 Dec 2, 2017Udløbet -
Project for eRezeki Global High Income Participants -- 8 Hello, everyone! I need a catchy slogan for eRezeki Global High Income Program. In your proposal please include the at least one slogan. May the best slogan win. 18 Grafisk Design, Logo Design, Slogan, Kreativ Skrivning, Catch Phrases Dec 2, 2017 Dec 2, 2017Udløbet €4
One Page Retriement Income Plan - Repost - open to bidding We are a financial services business with a focus on retirement income planning. We have a one page income plan that we would like to make into a more useful and easier to use tool. Data input and assumption page(s) and much better presentation for clients. 31 Dataindførsel, Excel, Annoncering, Websøgning, Ordre Håndtering Nov 30, 2017 Nov 30, 2017Udløbet €849
One Page Retriement Income Plan - Repost We are a financial services business with a focus on retirement income planning. We have a one page income plan that we would like to make into a more useful and easier to use tool. Data input and assumption page(s) and much better presentation for clients. 1 Dataindførsel, Excel, Annoncering, Websøgning, Ordre Håndtering, Nov 30, 2017 Nov 30, 2017Udløbet €723
federal income tax return project Tax return project due within 3 days 15 Regnskab Nov 29, 2017 Nov 29, 2017Udløbet €494
Adsense website with 2 digits daily income Adsense experts are looked for this work which need to have a webiste with $$ daily earnings. Only proven guys are encouraged to apply for this project. 9 PHP, Web Design, SEO, Google Adsense, HTML Nov 29, 2017 Nov 29, 2017Udløbet €100
Ansæt de Bedste Average income banner store Freelancere:
freelance average income, average income for marketing jobs, banner store, average income adult website, average income adult websites, list city population average income, fashion banner store, cam girl average income percentage, freelance average price banner, average income cities excel, average income malaysia virtual assistant, average price banner 468x60 pixels, average income webcam girls, average income iphone app store developer, average flash banner size, movie trailer makers average income, average income adult tgp, average income comic book creator, average web banner cost, average income bbmmorpg owners, average income comic illustrators, average income cupcake business, average income marvel artist, average income freelance programmer, average income adult webcam business, average income comic book artist, Outsource Average income banner store

value: Freelance (sometimes spelled free-lance or free lance), freelancer, or freelance worker, are terms commonly used for a person who is self-employed and not necessarily committed to a particular employer long-term. Freelance workers are sometimes represented by a company or a temporary agency that resells freelance labor to clients; others work independently or use professional associations or websites to get work.