Minerals and Metals in Ancient India v2.c43.s3.t13.57

v2.c43.s3.t13.57

Pearls originating from different geographical sources were known to have specific features (*AM*, 109-113; *Br. Saṃ.*, 81.3-6; *NRP*, 71-74; and *MM*, 288-290). The pearls from Sri Lanka were described as multi-shaped, glossy, swan white and large; those from the Tāmraparṇī river estuary are white with a slight red tinge and bright; the ones from Paraloka (Travancore) are blackish, white or yellow. Saurāṣṭra pearls are of intermediate size with the lustre of butter. The Persian pearl is yellow, lustrous and heavy (*Br. Saṃ.*, 81.3-6). *Navaratnaparīkṣā* described: