Flaming_Maniac wrote:

Mekstizzle wrote:

Found in small amounts...because it was "shiny" and didn't corrode.
That's why.

Economics can be based on anything so long as there is a recognizable shortage. Rare, shiny objects that can have religious/social value based on their beauty are as good as anything.
Exactly. Native American tribes that lived in my area traded in Wampum (seashell necklaces). It doesn't matter what the object being traded is (as long as it's not easily forged) for it's only a unit of exchange. Could be diamonds, rubies, emeralds, gold, silver, platinum, whatever you want it to be.
"Ah, you miserable creatures! You who think that you are so great! You who judge humanity to be so small! You who wish to reform everything! Why don't you reform yourselves? That task would be sufficient enough."
-Frederick Bastiat