A jewel that glows with vivid, brilliant color is always praised among precious stones. Thus concludes the seventieth chapter of the Garuḍa Mahāpurāṇa, which was devoted to the examination of the Padmarāga gem. Now, the tale continues. The mighty lord of serpents took into his possession the potent bile of the lord of the Dānavas. With the radiance of the jewel upon his own head shining forth, he soared into the sky and descended into the ocean’s depths. As his powerful wings beat downward, it seemed as if he gathered together both heaven and earth into his sweep. Then, in a sudden motion, the lord of serpents released the bile at the foot of a Turushka tree, which had been anointed by Surasā. No sooner had it fallen than he passed through the realm of Varāla and drew near to Ramā. Even as the bile was still cascading downwards, Garuḍa himself seized a portion of it. It was in that place—among grass, moss, and marsh plants, where sharp-beaked birds dwell, where silk-cotton flowers bloom, and fireflies glimmer—that the bile of the lord of the Dānavas, struck by the arm of the serpent lord, finally came to rest. From that very spot, within the land of emerald, whatever arises there cannot be cured by any group of mantras or medicines. Yet, there is another form found there, one that is free from faults. It is of an intensely green color, soft and radiant, with a fibrous texture. This gem is perfectly shaped, evenly colored, and dignified in appearance. When its green hue is set aside, a hidden brilliance shines within it, and to behold it is to feel exceptional delight in the mind. Its color is exceedingly splendid, and its inner body is adorned with clear, bright rays. The gem shines with vivid color and luster, possessing a dense, substantial form. However, some stones are spotted, hard, impure, rough, and have the texture of stone. A gem that is dried at the joints becomes a different kind of emerald. Bhallataka and putrika are names given to varieties according to their color. The putrika, when polished with linen cloth, loses its brilliance. Some emeralds, though varying in form and qualities, still follow the essential characteristics of emeralds. Among gems, there are also diamonds, pearls, and certain others called “twice-born.” Sometimes, due to the straightness of a gem, a particular quality arises. These gems are used in bathing, sipping, recitation, and in the performance of protective mantra rituals. They are also employed in rites for the gods, ancestors, guests, and in honoring the teacher. A faultless gem, full of good qualities, is best set in gold. The value of the padmarāga gem is determined by weighing it, and, as with all gems, its value decreases according to its flaws. Thus ends the seventy-first chapter, the examination of emeralds, in the Conduct Section of the first part of the Śrī Garuḍa Mahāpurāṇa. In that land, one finds the tender shoots of Sinhalese maidens’ hands, the tips of young sprouts, newly blossomed grains, and coral branches. From this, it is inferred that the land near the ocean, vast and shining with beauty, resembles the foam of splendid waves. There, too, are flowers like the blue lotus, the neck of a peacock, the garments of the god who wields the plough, the bee, the bow, the throat of Hara, and reddish blossoms. Some flowers are like the clear waters of pure reservoirs, some shine with the radiance of water, and others resemble flocks of peacocks. All are of one kind, glowing with distinctly beautiful colors. Yet, these gems are associated with the fear of earthen, stony, and rocky crevices. From there, indeed, are born the gems that are so highly praised in that region.