Part 1 - Characteristics of cat’s eye (vaidurya)

This stone used to be obtained from a mine close by the highest peak of the mount “Vidura”, situated on the border of a country named “Kama-bhuti” (Cambodia?)

It appears to contain inside it a mark resembling a swinging scarf.

Varieties of Vaidurya (cat’s eye).

(a) This gem is of three different kinds, viz. (1) yellowish black, (2) reddish blue, and (3) white black.

(b) Vaidurya is of three different kinds, viz. (1) of the colour of green bamboo leaf, (2) of the colour of peacock’s neck, and (3) tawny-coloured like a cats’ eye.

Of all these Vaiduryas, those which are commendable are heavy, smooth, devoid of the general defects (referred to before), pellucid, and transparent.

Characteristics of a good Vaidurya.

The Vaidurya, which is blackish-white, smoothsurfaced, transparent, heavy, bright, and appears to contain inside it a mark resembling a swinging scarf, is commendable.

Characteristics of had Vaidurya.

A Vaidurya of the following description is not commendable:—(1) black, (2) water-coloured (3) Hat-shaped, (4) light, (5) rough, and (6) containing inside it a mark resembling a swinging scarf of red colour.

Properties of Vaidurya.

Vaidurya (cat’s eye) cures hemorrhage; increases knowledge, longevity, and strength; cures diseases due to an excess of pitta; excites power of digestion, and is a laxative.