D is for Diamond

I guess nothing much needs to be said about this.  We all know what diamonds are.  Let’s see if I can give you some facts.

Diamonds are just carbon, the same element as graphite.  Diamonds are the hardest natural material because the atoms are locked together.  It’s harder than any man made material.  They can be used industrially for cutting, such as diamond saw blades.

Cut and polished diamonds

Cut diamonds sparkle in the beautiful colors they reflect when they catch the light.  The diamond market is strictly controlled, even making the uncut ones valuable.

Diamonds were traded and taxed in India before 300 BC.  So they even had taxes way back then.  Good grief!  I guess taxes have been around forever.  Diamonds were exported by sea or land along caravan routes.

Uncut and unpolished diamond

There are several famous diamonds in the British crown jewels that were presented to Queen Victoria.

Diamonds are the stone of love, yet they are the hardest mineral known and can scratch anything.  Is there a hidden story in that?  I wonder.

Time to Dust off the Calculator and Gather Stuff

That dreaded time of the year has arrived once again.  I’ve spent the last three days gathering and adding all the crap needed for taxes.  Ugh!  I’m so glad it is about ready to go.  Somehow that always ends up being my job every year.

Now I’m looking forward to spring and hope it warms up around here pretty quick.  I’m not a very happy camper when it’s cold, but I do my best to stay cheerful anyway.  After all, there is nothing you can do about it.