Minerals and Metals in Ancient India v1.c16.s2.t4.14

v1.c16.s2.t4.14

Item No. 5 is a bangle made of leaded brass. Lead particles have been microscopically observed to be uniformly distributed. Unevenly distributed phases are probably oxides of Fe and Al. There is the evidence of cold-working after re-crystallisation. For making such bangles, the metal may have been first formed into a plate, cut into a strip, and then given finishing operations to obtain the final shape. Item No. 6 is a bangle of leaded bronze which is in stressed condition although it has been re-crystallised prior to this. Items 7-9 are bells made of bronze. Existence of sulphur and Cu₂O and other oxides indicates that smelting had not been perfect. Item no. 11 is a coil-like ring made of brass. There is a random distribution of very fine particles which may be oxide grains, or minute quantity of lead. The metal has undergone permanent deformation but is now in the stress-free condition. It might have been annealed after hot or cold working.