[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Science, technology and education](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science) › [Minerals and Metals in Ancient India](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996) › v2.c46.s2.4 # Minerals and Metals in Ancient India v2.c46.s2.4 Minerals and Metals in Ancient India v2.c46.s2.4 - **Language:** English ### [v2.c46.s2.4](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c46.s2.4) Kauṭilya referred to the scientific approach of categorisation of gems according to colour. The \*Ratnaśāstra\* texts brought in the useful criteria of relative hardness, specific gravity and optical properties towards the identification of gems. The reference to \*rasapāka\* in Kauṭilya shows that \*rasaśāstra\* studies had been initiated during his time to transform matter to useful varieties. Alchemy gradually evolved from the sustained efforts of Caraka, Suśruta, Patañjali and Nāgārjuna. - [Previous: v2.c46.s2.3](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c46.s2.3) - [Next: v2.c46.s2.5](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c46.s2.5) - [Up: v2.c46.s2](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c46.s2) ## Cites (1) - [Buddhabhaṭṭīya](https://indike.org/pramana/in.art.ratna.buddhabhattiya) — Buddha, Sanskrit --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c46.s2.4](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.biswas-1996.v2.c46.s2.4) · Pramāṇa