In Act 2 of Death of a Salesman what does Ben by, "Not like an appointment at all. A diamond is rough and hard to the touch"? I'm sure there's...

Ben implies that an appointment is something intangible, unlike a diamond, which is something one can hold in his hand. Willy's career as a salesman is built on appointments, a routine type of business but based on uncertainties because he is never assured of success. Ben, on the other hand, made his wealth by accepting the challenge of going into the jungle and seeking diamonds, truly a symbol of success. Ben is critical of Willy because Ben has little respect for the kind of career path Willy has chosen instead of selecting to follow Ben into the jungle. Willy, as a result, has not become successful or wealthy.