Chapter 246 - The testing of Gems (ratna-parīkṣā)

[Sanskrit text for this chapter is available]

Fire-god said:

1-7. I shall describe the characteristics of gems [i.e., ratna-lakṣaṇa]. The gems that are to be worn by the kings are diamond, emerald, ruby, pearl, sapphire, mahānīla (a kind of sapphire), lapis lazuli, gandhaśasyaka (?), moon-stone, sun-stone, crystal, pulaka, karketana, topaz and the jyotirasa. Crystal, rājapaṭṭa (an inferior kind of diamond) and rājamaya are auspicious. O Brahmin! Ruby, gañjā, conch-shell of a variety, gomeda, rudhirākṣa (holy beads and the marking nut (are auspicious). O Excellent brahmin! Dhūli emerald, blue vitriol, lead, pīlu, coral girivajra (?) the gem (found) in the serpents, auspicious diamond, ṭiṭṭibha (?), piṇḍa (?), bhrāmara (a kind of stone?) and utpala—(these) gems set in gold (and worn) would confer prosperity and success. Inward lustre, free from impurities and good formation of the shape (are the characteristics of good gems).

8-15. Such gems could be worn. Those not having lustre, impure, cracked and containing pebbles inside should not at all be worn. It is commendable to wear the diamond. The diamond that could be carried away by water, that is unbreakable, without impurity, of hexagonal shape, has the lustre of the rainbow, light and (brilliant) like the sun is auspicious (to wear). Similarly an emerald possessing the hues of the plumes of a parrot, glossy, radiant, without impurity and containing minute particles resembling powdered gold is auspicious. The rubies got from crystal mines would be extremely red and spotless. Those got from (the place) Kuruvinda are naturally red. and those got from sulphur mines are of dark brown (colour). The pearls got from oysters are free from impurities. O Sage! Those got from the conch-shells are superior to them. (The pearls) obtained from the tusks and temples of the elephants, those got from the boars and fish and those found in the bamboos and clouds are excellent. Rotundity, whiteness, transparency and heaviness are the (good) qualities in a pearl. A good sapphire shines in the milk, spreads more lustre and tinge of its own colour. It should be declared as invaluable. The lapis lazuli of red-blue (colour) is excellent and should be used in a necklace and other (ornaments).