Minerals and Metals in Ancient India v2.c43.s3.t4.29

v2.c43.s3.t4.29

Perfect emerald gems were known to be rare, and the expression ‘an emerald without any flaw’ became proverbial. Defective pieces of emerald were sometimes encrusted with śilājatu (bitumen), stained and sand-grained (RP, 163). Bhallātaka and putrikā were common imitations, usually lighter, and losing brilliance on exposure and when rubbed (RP, 165-167; GP, 1.71.20-22). Fake emeralds were known to be softer and to be easily tarnished on application of lime which contrarily brightened real emeralds (MM, 382-83).