“Sparkling debut from adventuresome journalist...who traveled the world to tell the dirty, glorious and sometime bloody story of diamonds” (Kirkus, starred).

“Still want a diamond? Before laying out your cash, Zoelnner advises that you first understand its origins. . . . An informative book that’s equal parts history and travelogue.” —Rocky Mountain News

An American Library Association Notable Book

When he proposed to his girlfriend, Tom Zoellner gave what is expected of every American man—a diamond engagement ring. But when the relationship broke apart, he was left with a used diamond that began to haunt him. His obsession carried him around the globe: from the “blood diamond” rings of Africa; to the sweltering polishing factories of India; to mines above the Arctic Circle; to illegal diggings in Brazil; to the London headquarters of De Beers, the secretive global colossus that has dominated the industry for more than a century and permanently carved the phrase “A diamond is forever” on the psyche. An adventure story in the tradition of Susan Orlean's The Orchid Thief, The Heartless Stone is a voyage into the cold heart of the world's most unyielding gem.

“Exhaustively researched and beautifully written.” —The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

“Zoellner has an eye for the telling detail, a nose for trouble, and an ability to quickly re-create a scene’s mood and sense of place. Wherever he is, he puts you there. . . . A graceful, well-documented tour through decades of diamond-related lore.” —Salon.com

“An illuminating exposé of a mineral and an industry.” —The Wall Street Journal

“[A] dazzling display of intrepid reporting.” —Entertainment Weekly