Minerals and Metals in Ancient India v2.c43.s1.t1.3

v2.c43.s1.t1.3

Naturally, different categories of gems may, and do turn out to have similar colours, and in such cases, determination of hardness of the sample by scratch test has been a very useful exercise in the identification of the gem. Gemmology has always involved the art and science of imitation, and detection of clever imitations. Coloured glass was invented in India to imitate beryl and other precious stones (Pliny 37.26) and therefore it became a nuisance in the gem Table 7. 2 Gem Categories of Importance in the Ancient World