balhaš (Spinel)
Persia
10th Century
Recipe Details
Ingredients
gold-coloured marcasite
Preparation Steps
Must be polished with gold-coloured marcasite, which is described as the most excellent polishing material for this precious stone (p. 169).
Original Recipe Text
Must be polished with gold-coloured marcasite, which is described as the most excellent polishing material for this precious stone (p. 169).
Evidence
"(1) dark, 10 pieces, diameter: 3-5 mm. Total weight: 10 ct. (Inventory No. K 3.49a) (2) light, 15 pieces, diameter: 1.5-3 mm. Total weight: 8 ct. (Inventory No. K 3.49b)"
Remarks
Balaš is called la‘l in Persian. It ranks high in value and resembles a beautiful yāqūt but differs in hardness. Historically sold by dirhams and not by mitqāls to differentiate it from yāqūt. Found three days journey from Badakhšān (p. 169).
Scientific Analysis
Analytical Techniques
weighing
diameter measurement
Certainty Level
Confirmed
Instrumentally Verified
Verified
Metadata
Material Type
pigment
ColorPurple
RegionPersia
Approx. Year950
Source Information
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