In the sacred teachings of the Garuda Purana, the examination and understanding of various gems are described with great reverence and detail. It is said that mountain glass, young glass, and crystal are all susceptible to being broken by smoke. Among these, young glass is recognized by its lack of inscriptions and its lightness. When it comes to the precious indranīla gem of the highest quality, its price is weighed and calculated in terms of gold coins. For every type of gem, one must consider all its varieties that share the same color, and this distinction ought always to be observed carefully by the wise, for it is easily recognized. Gems are handled by both the skilled and the unskilled, and they are set using proper and improper methods. Throughout time—those that have passed, those present, and those yet to come—gems are carefully bound together in bracelets. Of the ancient gems, their mines are found near the shores of the ocean. According to Manu, the standard weight of gold is sixteen māṣas; a thread is four māṣas, and a single māṣa is made up of five kṛṣṇalas. In this way, the method for determining the value of jewels is established. Thus concludes the seventy-third chapter, known as the "Examination of Vaidurya." On the Himalayan slopes, it is told, the skin of the enemy of the gods once fell. There, a stone of pale, radiant hue is known as padmaraga. This gem may appear reddish, yellow, transparent, or brown—these are all considered one kind. That which is especially red is indeed called padmaraga. Its value is determined by experts in jewels, just as they do for the vaidurya gem. Thus ends the seventy-fourth chapter, "Examination of Padmaraga." It is further recounted that the wind, seizing the nails of the lord of the demons, scattered them joyfully among the lotus forests. From these, a gem arises, shining with the brilliance of blood, soma, honey, copper, yellow, and fire. The finest gems of this kind are smooth, pure, tinged with red or yellow, heavy, and of varied hues. When these are wrapped in a golden vessel and heated in fire, they become even more radiant. Such a gem, possessing many auspicious qualities, is sought after by people for adornment. Yet, there are some that, if not worn, appear distorted, confused, dark, faded, lacking color, impure, and deformed. The karketana gem, when examined and found to possess the described color and form, shines with a fresh, radiant brilliance like the sun. Thus concludes the seventy-fifth chapter, "Examination of the Karketana." Sūta then declares: The best among gems, known as Bhīṣma gems, have now been described. These are white, resembling conch shells and lotuses, or the Syonāka flower, and they possess great brilliance. When bound with gold or other metals, even in their pure state, they bestow blessings upon those who have faith. Such is their power that even wild forest-dwellers, upon seeing the wearer, flee from his presence. For the one adorned with these gems, there is no fear from the creepers or trees, nor do the lords of the land mock him. When offered in ancestral rites, these gems satisfy the ancestors for many years, and they protect the wearer from the dreadful fears of water, fire, enemies, and thieves. However, if a person is dark like moss or a rain cloud, with a yellowish hue and lacking luster, the price of such gems should be determined by learned experts, taking into account time and place. Thus ends the seventy-sixth chapter, "Examination of Vaidūrya." The text continues: In holy places, on excellent mountains, in rivers, and in other locations, especially in the northern regions, gems are found. In places such as Daśārṇa, Vāgadara, Mekala, and Kālagā, these gems appear with the colors of gunjā seeds, collyrium, honey, and the mṛṇāla stalk. Their forms are varied—like the conch, lotus, bee, and sun—and when strung on threads, they are considered supreme and pure. Yet, they are also found accompanied by crows, jackals, wolves, and fierce forms like vultures, with faces wet with flesh and blood. Thus concludes the seventy-seventh chapter, "Examination of Pulaka," in the glorious Garuda Mahapurana.