Minerals and Metals in Ancient India v1.c11.s6.t18: Nepheline-Sodalite Rock

v1.c11.s6.t18.1

Amongst the Mohenjo-Daro beads two were of peculiar interest in that they consist of an uncommon rock — nepheline-sodalite rock, which is found at Kishangarh in Rajputana. The source of the material, therefore is almost undoubtedly the neighbourhood of Kishangarh. The present uninteresting dull grey colour of the beads is the result of weathering and the effect of time. Sodalite when fresh, is of a beautiful azure blue colour and the beads when fresh, much have done credit to their neighbours in jade, agate, jasper, turquoise etc. (MS-II, 683)