OCCURRENCE OF PRECIOUS STONES IN N.S.W. aly § 
should expect if the diamond had been formed in situ. I admit, 
however, that while it is easy to find seeming flaws in Mr. Taylor’s 
views, it is not so easy to advance another theory, and duly 
support it with observed facts. The most I am prepared to do is 
to state that :— 
1. There is no direct evidence that the diamond was formed in 
the drifts in situ, 
2. The character of the drifts lend no support to the theory of 
the formation of the diamond in these drifts. 
3. The gems that are found with the diamond have been derived 
from various matrices, by the denudation and degradation 
of the older rocks. As the diamond occurs under similar 
conditions, it is probable that it was also derived from a 
matrix that exists, or existed higher up the Dividing Range. 
4, The Bingara diamonds show very little signs of abrasion, but 
their small size and hardness should explain this, even though 
they had travelled from a distant source. 
*The late Mr. C. 8. Wilkinson, was of opinion that the ‘source 
of the diamond may be in the metamorphosed Carboniferous or 
Devonian beds, where they have been intruded by porphyry.” 
Mr. Stonier after examining the Bingara district, abandons the 
theory that the diamonds were formed in the drifts. He suggests 
(1) serpentine or (2) tourmaline granite as a possible source. My 
Own investigations lead me to the conclusion as already stated, 
the Bingara and Inverell diamonds are derived from a common 
Source—in my opinion some eruptive rock occurring higher up 
the Dividing Range than any diamond bearing wash yet discovered. 
*If the Bingara diamonds are derived from serpentine, a different 
Source must be sought for the Inverell gems, as there is no 
Serpentine whence they could be derived within the watershed of 
Auburn Vale or Staggy Creek. As for the granite, while admit- 
ting it as a possible matrix, I must say I never saw anything 
Pointing to that rock being the source whence the diamonds were 
derived, 
CSC Ce eR Ree aaa ea ge Nee ia eaeaee 
1 Annual Report Department of Mines N. 8. Wales, 1878, p. 137. 
