The Arthashastra, written by Kautilya in the 4th century BCE, contains a detailed section on metallurgy, including the extraction and purification of metals, the production of alloys, and the manufacture of various metal objects.

Magnetite was the primary source of iron ore in ancient India due to its high iron content and widespread availability.

The Rasaratnakara, written by Nagarjuna in the 12th century CE, contains a detailed description of the process of extracting zinc from its ores, including the use of a crucible and a reducing agent.

Charcoal was the primary fuel used in ancient Indian metallurgy due to its high calorific value and ability to produce a reducing atmosphere.

The Arthashastra describes the process of producing steel from iron by heating it in a crucible with a reducing agent, such as charcoal, and then quenching it in water.

Copper was primarily used for making utensils in ancient India due to its malleability, ductility, and resistance to corrosion.

The Rasaratnakara describes the process of extracting gold from its ores, including the use of mercury amalgamation and the parting of gold and silver.

Silver was primarily used for making jewelry in ancient India due to its malleability, ductility, and luster.

The Rasaratnakara describes the process of producing brass from copper and zinc, including the use of a crucible and a reducing agent.

Lead was primarily used for making utensils in ancient India due to its low melting point and ease of casting.

The Rasaratnakara describes the process of producing mercury from its ores, including the use of a crucible and a reducing agent.

Tin was primarily used for making utensils in ancient India due to its low melting point and ease of casting.

The Rasaratnakara describes the process of producing bronze from copper and tin, including the use of a crucible and a reducing agent.

Antimony was primarily used for medicinal purposes in ancient India, particularly as an emetic and purgative.

The Rasaratnakara describes the process of producing arsenic from its ores, including the use of a crucible and a reducing agent.