Minerals and Metals in Ancient India v2.c43.s3.t11.17

v2.c43.s3.t11.17

Before we pass on to coral and pearl, the softest gem minerals, we may briefly mention a few minor gem minerals such as vimalaka or the gem variety of pyrite. Pyrite FeS₂ has metallic lustre, specific gravity 5.0 and hardness 6-1/2. It is pale brass yellow, and occurs in striated cubic and pyritohedral (fourteen surfaces) forms. On account of its brilliant lustre and pretty colour, it was much esteemed and used in brooches, bracelets, as recently as in the eighteenth century, specially in France, till its use was given up. It was mentioned as vimalaka in Arthaśāstra (AS, 2.11.35, and Bṛhatsaṃhitā (Bṛ. Saṃ., 80.4).