Minerals and Metals in Ancient India v1.c11.s6.t12: Amethyst

v1.c11.s6.t12.1

The term ‘Oriental Amethyst’ is sometimes applied to violet coloured corundum. True amethyst or violet coloured quartz is found in a very pure state in the gem gravels of Ceylon. This mineral has been found in the Santal Parganas of Bihar and Orissa and sometimes in the Deccan Trap. The occurrence of amethyst quartz in the vicinity of Hyderabad has been noticed. Amethyst is found at several localities in the Bashahr portion of the valley of the Sutlej. There seems little doubt that the Mohenjo-Daro material was derived from the Deccan trap. (MS-II, 680)