Minerals and Metals in Ancient India v1.c16.s2.t1.5

v1.c16.s2.t1.5

Among the semi-precious stones, agate forms 2 per cent, with carnelian and amazonite closely following. Beads of metal like gold and copper were represented by a few specimens. Navdatoli must have been not only a bead-making centre but also a centre of trade. Rajasthan possibly supplied copper, quartz and steatite; coral and amazonite possibly came from Gujarat, sandstone from Vindhyan range, lapis from Persia etc. Jasper, agate and carnelian were available locally. For bead-making, mostly banded agate of attractive colourful scheme were chosen. Sharp drills must have been used.