Minerals and Metals in Ancient India v2.c43.s3.t7.30

v2.c43.s3.t7.30

Similar description have been given in *GP*, 1.76.2 and *MM*, 446 with the additional remark that these were *śyoṇāka sannibhāḥ*: like the *śyoṇāka* (*Oroxylum indicum*) flower which is yellowish white. *RYP*, 99 described the gem as ‘pale yellow like the moon in the daytime’. These are lustrous and sometimes similar to a fairly big-sized diamond. These gems were often set in gold and used in necklaces (*GP*, 1.76.3 and *MM*, 447). When worn, the gem was ‘supposed to protect the person from all dangers’ (*GP*; 1.76, 3-6. *MM*, 447-450). Moss-coloured, cloud-like, dirty and rough samples were disliked. The price of the *bhīṣma* gems was fixed by the experts in accordance with its quality and place of origin (*GP*, 1.76.7-8. *MM*, 451-52).