Minerals and Metals in Ancient India v2.c44.s4.4

v2.c44.s4.4

The verses 7-15 in the chapter 62 of the text of Yavanajātaka contain references to minerals and metals. The word dhātu was used to indicate metals as well as minerals. Dhātus were known to belong to two categories: dhāmya (bright) and adhāmya (dull). Dhāmya lohas (metals) were known to be of six types: suvarṇa, raupya, trapu (tin), sīsā (lead), tāmra (copper) and kṛṣṇāyas (iron). Mauktika (pearl), yukta (alloy) and śastram (steel) also belonged to the dhāmya (bright) category.