gems, beryl, aquamarine, morganite, goshenite, heliodor, emerald, etymology, India, Indian lapidary

An original hypothesis regarding the etymological roots of the words marakara – emerald – is submitted for scholarly scrutiny and possible acceptance, while earlier views on the vaidurya – beryl – etymological nexus are critically reviewed and rationalized; the paper also presents an account of the widespread use of beryl-family gem minerals in the ancient world, particularly in India.