Part 1 - Characteristics of Chrysoberyl (karketa or karketana)

Used internally as a drug, or externally as an article of jewellery, it brings to its user all sorts of fortune and beauty. It is an antidote against infection from taking contaminated food or association with diseased persons.

Varieties of karketana.

Karketana (chrysoberyl) is of the following colours:—(1) blood-red, (2) moon-white, (3) honey-coloured, (4) having a tinge of the colour of copper, (5) yellow, (6) fire-coloured, (7) blue, and (8) pure white.

Of these, the last two, viz. blue and pure white, are coarse and full of cracks. They cannot therefore look bright even after removal of their defects.

Characteristics of good karketana.

Karketanas of the following description are commendable:—(1) oily-surfaced, (2) not mixed with foreign matters, (3) of uniform colour (4) having a tinge of yellow, (5) heavy, (6) having a play of more than one colour, and (7) devoid of such defects as crack, etc. (see page 169).

Properties of karketana.

A bright karketana, if put on with a golden foil, causes the cure of diseases, does away with the possibility of troubles and anxieties, and increases longevity, children, and happiness.

Those who put on such a good gem acquire respect from people, riches, many friends, beauty, and good health.