History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c20.s4.t3.7

v1.c20.s4.t3.7

Some of the other mineral substances that were used in ancient and medieval India for dyeing and colouring purposes were rājāvarta (Lapis Lazuli), rasaka (calamine), ferric oxide (minium), sudhā (lime), yellow ochre, trapu (lead), kankuṣṭha, blue vitriol, etc. Three kinds of hingula (vermilion) are mentioned as useful in medicine, in colouring metals and in colouring mercury. The three kinds are: camara of very deep colour, śukatuṇḍa of slightly yellowish tinge and haṃsapāda of the colour of birth red jāpakusuma and this type is considered the best.²² Rajāvarta is slightly red at centre with a bluish tinge.