History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c13.s2.t3.30

v1.c13.s2.t3.30

In lithic societies the use of coloured minerals like iron oxide, lead oxide and blue and green coloured Azurite (Hydrated copper carbonate) has been very common as cosmetics, colours used for decorating hutment walls and pottery, and their use in religious rituals and funeral practice. It is possible that accidental fall of the copper mineral in the fire has given rise to the copper age around 4000 B.C. According to the archaeological evidences this metal is probably the fourth in the series to attract the attention of mankind and give a new dimension to the human culture by providing new fighting and self-protecting power in the hands of mankind.