Minerals and Metals in Ancient India v1.c11.s4.2

v1.c11.s4.2

Stone beads of practically every shape and form were in use. Some are of large size and are even made of such comparatively soft stones as limestone and alabaster. The favourite material for beads was chalcedony in all its forms, carnelian being especially common and artificially treated to enhance its colour. Bronze and copper were also used in the manufacture of spacers and terminals for strings of beads. In this connection, we may record Marshall’s considered opinion that in India bead-making was one of the most ancient arts, since in most places the requisite materials were ready at hand. This was not the case in Mesopotamia where even the commonest stone was difficult to procure. (MS-II, 510)