Minerals and Metals in Ancient India v1.c14.s3.t1.2

v1.c14.s3.t1.2

The Lothal folk also followed almost the same process as is being adopted by the modern lapidaries. At first, the nodules of agate were heated to a smoky colour and the cortex was removed. The core was then reduced to the required size and shape by low-flaking using the pressure-technique. Subsequently by rubbing on slabs of sandstone the surface was smoothened and the edges were rounded off. Polishing might have been done by using haematite granules or fuller's earth in fine chamois leather, after rolling them over a sandstone block. Sand was used as a smoothening medium. Beads were subsequently bored from both sides using flanged drills of bronze and finally heated in the kiln referred to above. (Rao, 581)