Minerals and Metals in Ancient India v2.c41.s4.1

v2.c41.s4.1

Mani-dhātu or the gem minerals were characterised in the Arthaśāstra as ‘clear, smooth, lustrous, possessed of sound, cold, hard and of a light colour’ (2.12.17). An excellent gem was supposed to have some specific shape-hexagonal, square or round — a flashing colour, a suitable form, and to be clear, smooth, heavy, lustrous, with lustre inside and imparting lustre (2.11.33). With a dull colour and lustre, with grains, with a hole in the bloom, broken, badly bored, and covered with scratches — these were considered to be the blemishes of gems (2.11.34).