Minerals and Metals in Ancient India v2.c40.s2.4

v2.c40.s2.4

Lohitaka (red) and sasyaka (blue gem) are mentioned by Pāṇini (5.4.30 and 5.2.68). The most interesting reference about a mineral in Pāṇini is related to cat’s eye, beryl or vaidūrya. In 4.3.84 Pāṇini states that the minerals came from the city of Vidura, and that is how the word vaidūrya (originating in Vidura) was derived. Later, it was stated by Patañjali that the mines of vaidūrya were in the mount Vālavāya, but the gem was cut in Vidura (Bhāṣya, 4.3.84; 2.3.13). We are not sure about the location of Vālavāya mountain. This was probably in the Deccan. Pāṇini had geographical acquaintance down south up to the site of Aśmaka on the river Godāvarī. The city of Vidura was probably in the Vidarbha region in Madhya Pradesh. The pale green gem mineral vaidūrya became one of the most precious items adored by the Indians.