Gem-Stones and Their Distinctive Characters

by George Frederick Herbert Smith

(24) Star of South Africa

The first considerable stone to be found in South Africa, it was discovered at the Vaal River diggings in 1869, and weighed 83½ carats in the rough. It was cut to a triangular brilliant of 46½ carats. It was finally purchased by the Countess of Dudley for £25,000.