Minerals and Metals in Ancient India v2.c45.s4.19

v2.c45.s4.19

For the metallurgical practices, special crucibles were made for which specific raw materials were necessary. Toyamṛttikā, a water-proof paste was made by mixing fine powder of maṇḍūra (rusted iron), guḍa (molass), cūrṇa (limestone) and watery extract of acacia indica; crucible made of this paste was fired before use. Vahnimṛttikā or fire-clay crucibles and seals were made using khaḍiā (chalk), lavaṇa (salt), maṇḍūra (iron rust), milk, etc. This resists intense heat and is impervious to mercury-liquid and as well as vapour. ‘Mercury sealed by this mixture, known to Nāgārjuna, Nandi, Somedeva etc., cannot escape, just like a man bound with an ardent love of a mature lustful lady’ (RRS, 9.64).