Cosmetics, Costumes and Ornaments in Ancient India
by Remadevi. O. | 2009 | 54,177 words
This page relates ‘Materials (n): Candrakanta (Moon Stone)’ of the study on cosmetics, costumes and ornaments of ancient India based on Sanskrit sources. Chapter one deals with cosmetics and methods of enhancing beauty; Chapter two deals with costumes, garments and dresses; Chapter three deals with ornaments for humans and animals. Each chapter deals with their respective materials, types, preparation and trade, as prevalent in ancient Indian society.
1.2. Materials (n): Candrakānta (Moon Stone)
This gem is perhaps an imaginary one, conceived by poets and is believed to have a cooling effect. No proof is available for its existence. Hence its colour or shape is unknown. However many writers have made reference to this gem in their works. No reference is seen about its use as ornament. Kauṭilya[1] places this gem in the group of crystal gem and gives the name Śitavṛṣṭi.
Footnotes and references:
[1]:
Ibid, p.141