Minerals and Metals in Ancient India v2.c45.s2.1

v2.c45.s2.1

In one of our previous chapters (chapter 7) we have mentioned the references to ratna or gem minerals in RRS (chapter 2), which is indeed an unique compilation (samuccaya) of rasa — as well as Ratnaśāstra text materials. Here we would merely emphasize that RRS believed the gem minerals to be potential sources of medicine. Hard minerals for example, when suitably administered, were believed to make the human tissues strong. Combined with mercury, precious stones could become medicines. This was another alchemical belief.