The Great Diamond Hoax of 1872: Salting the American West
Date: 1871-1872 (Exposed)
Key Characters: Philip Arnold and John Slack (con men), Henry Janin (mining expert), Charles Tiffany (Tiffany & Co.), investors.
Summary: Prospectors Philip Arnold and John Slack convinced prominent investors and experts they had discovered a massive diamond field in northwestern Colorado. They "salted" a barren site with low-grade diamonds, rubies, and sapphires bought in London. Mining engineer Henry Janin validated the find after a cursory inspection. Investors, including Charles Tiffany and Baron Rothschild, poured over $600,000 (millions today) into the venture. Only when geologist Clarence King surveyed the area systematically was the hoax revealed: the gems were found only on the surface, planted by the con men.
Historical Reference: Clarence King's report to the US Government, contemporary newspaper exposes, court records from subsequent lawsuits.
Reviewed by Sagar B
on
June 12, 2025
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