ballas
|bal-las|
/ˈbæləs/
rounded mass of diamond
Etymology
'ballas' is recorded in English from the early 19th century; the exact origin is uncertain but the form likely relates to words for 'ball' or 'rounded mass' in Romance languages (compare French 'boule' or Portuguese/Spanish forms).
'ballas' appears in early mineralogical literature to describe rounded, ball-like masses of diamond and remained in technical use to denote that specific aggregate form.
Initially used specifically for rounded (ball-like) masses of diamond, the term has retained that technical meaning in gemology and mineralogy.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a rounded aggregate or mass of diamond crystals; a form of imperfectly crystallized diamond often occurring as spherical or botryoidal masses (also called ballas diamond).
The geologist examined a sample of ballas recovered from the kimberlite pipe.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2026/01/06 05:11