An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c15.s1.24

v1.c15.s1.24

It is rather difficult to summarize the variety of materials used and the shapes fashioned in semiprecious stones. It would be no exaggeration to hold that except Egypt no other country shows such an exuberant use of stone beads as India. The reasons for this are not far to seek. Firstly there was abundant raw material available to manufacture beads, and secondly some stones, according to ancient Indian literature, had curative and magical properties. In general it may be said that in the crystalline variety of quartzes rock crystal, amethyst, yellow or rose quartz predominate, while in chalcedonic quartzes, carnelian, agate—both plain and banded—are by far the best favourites. Jasper of various varieties, plasma heliotrope, chalcedony, etc., are also largely used. Lapis lazuli, hornblende, serpentine malachite and sang-i-absi are sparingly used. Precious stones like ruby, emerald, topaz and sapphire, though often referred to in literature, are exceedingly rare among archaeological finds. So also are pecious metals like gold and silver.