Minerals and Metals in Ancient India v1.c28.s8.t3.6

v1.c28.s8.t3.6

The data presented in Table 20.8 shows that most samples analysed contain appreciable quantities of lead, which obviously rendered the alloys more fluid and better for casting. The lead percentage however did not exceed six as in some of the Gujarat samples. Several samples assay as much as 2-4 per cent in iron and most samples contain some nickel. Possibly the copper metal was smelted from local nickel-rich ore of Bihar at high temperature to include some reduced iron. Metallographic analysis would have thrown more light on this aspect. In a few samples arsenic and antimony were detected; there was zinc as trace impurity in some of the non-brass alloys. As much as 16 per cent zinc was noticed in a sample whereas tin content reached a higher figure of 24 per cent.