Minerals and Metals in Ancient India v2.c45.s5.3

v2.c45.s5.3

Audbhida has been identified by Ray (1956: 204) as the saline deposit *reh* obtained as an efflorescence, containing chloride and sulphates of sodium. But this *reh* has always been known in India as *sarjikā mṛttikā* or *sājimāṭi*. Audbhida was most likely the potassium-containing ash from the plants (*udbhida*), which also contained chlorides to ‘kill’ mercury.