Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Ratna Pariksha

Ratna Pariksha is an ancient gemological science on testing gem stones for their purity. The mention of this treatise is also found in Kautilaya's (traditionally identified as Chāṇakya) Arthaśāstra which was composed around 323-299 B.C. So, this makes the treatise even older.

Ratna Pariksha discusses traditional gemstones like Vajra, Indranila, Marakata, Karketana, Padmaraga, Rudhirakhya, Vidurya, Pulaka, Vimalaka, Rajamani, Sphatika, Sasikanta, Saugandlika, Pushparaga, Brahmamani, Jyotirasa, Sasyaka, Mukta, Pravals

Ratna Pariksha has classified 22 Maha-ratnas and Upa-ratnas. The Nine famous ratnas (Navratna) of India come under Maha-ratnas

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