History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c20.s3.t1.11

v1.c20.s3.t1.11

As of today, in ancient India potters were preparing slips with red or yellow ochres which when applied emit a lustre on the surface. For black and chocolate shades, a manganiferous haematite. was used. Different varieties of ochres and haematites, which are known today by different local names in different parts of India, were made use of for colouring slips, like geru rangamati, dhau, multānimatti, etc. It is said that the manganese oxides frequently associated with ferric oxide give a pure black colour when rich in manganese. If iron in the mixture preponderates it gives a chocolate colour.