Hindu Interpretation and Indian Transformation
The "Ratnapariksa" of Buddha Bhatta is a 6th-century book on gems. The manuscript summarizes Indian knowledge about diamond, which it introduces during an origin myth -- a window into the culture's cosmology and values. Buddha Bhatta describes the hierarchy of diamonds, their powers and virtues, and their sharing among the castes.
The Virtues of Diamond: A diamond octahedron was extremely valued: "He who, having pure body, always carries a diamond with sharp points, without blemish, free from all faults; that one, as long as he lives, knows each day will bear some things: happiness, prosperity, children, riches, grain, cows and meat. He who wears [such] a diamond will see dangers retreat from him whether he is threatened by serpents, fire, poison, sickness, thieves, flood or evil spirits."
The Finest Diamond: A diamond that flashed rainbow colors was most excellent: "Even if it has blunt points, if it has a speck, a crack, the diamond that has the reflection of the rainbow procures riches, grain and sons. The king who carries, so it is said, a beautiful diamond with sparkling flashes has a force that triumphs over all other powers and becomes master of all neighboring lands." Rainbow dispersive color from a diamond octahedron takes overall priority and the finest colorless diamonds, transparent octahedra with rainbow reflections, are reserved for kings.
The Hardness of Diamond: Diamond's supreme hardness was standard: "The gems and the metals that exist on earth are all spoiled by the diamond: the diamond is not (scratched) by them. A noble substance scratches that which is noble and that which is not; the diamond scratches the ruby. The diamond scratches all and is not spoiled by any."
