[RightWhale]

We can do that to the value of diamonds and gold, too.

What is the intrinsic value of diamond? About the same as the value of a piece of anthracite coal of the same weight, I'd say.

And gold? Any intrinsic value there? Just a little better grade of copper, isn't it?

[Wonder Warthog]

"We can do that to the value of diamonds and gold, too."

Yup, and the ratio of embedded knowledge in that solar cell silicon is about 10^2 to 10^3 greater than the diamond or gold (more so for the diamond than the gold). After all, both the raw gold and natural diamonds already exist in their natural state--silicon doesn't. It took massive knowledge development just to make pure silicon.

[aruanan]

What is the intrinsic value of diamond? About the same as the value of a piece of anthracite coal of the same weight, I'd say.

In the world of resources, there is no such thing as intrinsic value. There is only imputed value in the context of a possible use.