History of Chemistry in Ancient and Medieval India, Incorporating the History of Hindu Chemistry by Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray c30.s1.11

c30.s1.11

There are three kinds of iron: namely, *mundam* (wrought iron), *tikshnam* and *kantam*, *mundam* again is of three varieties: viz *mridu*, *kuntham* and *kadaram*. 70
That, which easily melts, does not break and is glossy, is *mridu*; that, which expands with difficulty when struck with a hammer, is known as *kuntham*, that, which breaks when struck with a hammer and has a black fracture, is *kadaram*. 71-72
*Tikshnam* (cast iron, steel):—There are six varieties of it. One variety is rough and free from hair-like lines and has a quicksilver-like fracture and breaks when bent Another variety breaks with difficulty and presents a sharp edge 75-78
*Kantam*—There are five kinds of it, namely, *bhramaka*, *chumbaka*, *karshaka*, *dravaka* and *romakanta* It possesses one, two, three, four and five faces and often many faces (with which to attract iron) and is of yellow, black and red colour respectively. The variety, which makes all kinds of iron move about, is called *bhramaka*; that which kisses iron is called *chumbaka*; that which attracts iron is called *karshaka*; that which at once melts the iron is called *dravaka* (lit. a solvent); and the fifth kind is that which, when broken, shoots forth hair-like filaments. 84-89
Mercury is like an intoxicated elephant and *kantam* is like the bent hook wherewith to restrain it. The wise man