Minerals and Metals in Ancient India v2.c43.s3.t11.19

v2.c43.s3.t11.19

Sasyaka or blue copper mineral (covellite, bornite or copper sulphate crystal?) was mentioned as a minor gem (AS, 2.11.35 and Bṛ. Saṃ., 80.5) in the early centuries, but not counted as a gem during the later years. Similarly añjanamūlaka, the pigment grade dark blue mineral (carrolite, a cobalt compound? or an antimony compound?) was mentioned in AS, 2.11.35, but must have lost its reputation as a gem in the post-Christian era. Conch or śankhahad been widely used in India throughout the ages, even in Pre-Harappan times. Bṛ. Saṃ., 80.4 mentioned this as a gem, but not other gemmologist mentioned it, although the material has always been used for other purposes, such as making bangles.