Minerals and Metals in Ancient India v1.c20.s3.t3.6

v1.c20.s3.t3.6

Chattopadhyaya and De (1989) examined a dish-shaped iron object (length 62 mm, width 18 mm and thickness 2 mm) obtained from the ferro-chalcolithic phase of Pāṇḍu Rājār Dhibi. Observation of the specimen in computer automated electron probe micro-analyser (EPMA) revealed that the dish-shaped object was made of iron with a high amount of fayalite (iron silicate) inclusion which made it brittle. No carbide or pearlitic structure was detected. Although carburization did not take place, the presence of substantial amount of potassium in the inclusion indicated that the firing may have been done with charcoal.