Minerals and Metals in Ancient India v1.c24.s1.t2.1

v1.c24.s1.t2.1

The hard corundums (hardness 9) of colourless variety (Al₂O₃: Sanskrit kuruvinda, Tamil kurrandam), also known as emery powder, was available in Rewa state, South India, Karnataka etc. and specifically mentioned as an abrasive in Kauṭilya’s Arthaśāstra. The Romans imported this material from India for marble-sawing, polishing and stone-working.