Borrow Pit

Excavation made for the purpose of obtaining earth to form an embankment elsewhere, the pit itself having no value. The quantity of earth removed from the pit is measured in place by means of levels taken before and after the work is done. Bort, or BOORT. Variety of diamond, rough in appearance, not distinctly crystalline, and not transparent. It is harder than the crystallized diamond, is usually of a dark color, and is sometimes found in ma es weighing several hun dred carats. It is extensively used for drills and as a polishing and grinding material. Compare CARBONADO.