Manikya

Manikya is an ancient gemstone, often used in jewelry and decorative objects. It is a variety of calcined garnet or a gemstone found in the ground. Manikya is highly valued in some cultures for its beauty and durability. The gemstone has been used in various decorative and wearable items, such as pendants, brooches, and rings.

Manikya can be found in various colors, including orange, red, green, blue, and yellow, and even black, although the latter is less common. The rarity of different colors contributes to the gemstone's value. Various methods are used to clean and prepare Manikya for use in jewelry, although the precise techniques can be strict and time-consuming.

An important historical and cultural aspect of Manikya is its use in tribological terms, where it is valued for its properties, such as resistance to scratching and heat. This makes it a sought-after material for watch jewels and timepieces. In astronomical terms, a manikya is used to weigh pearls of suitable size by balancing a counter weight.

In folklore and art Manikya is associated with several stories and interpretations, not the least of which involves aboriginal myths that regard the gemstone as having magical properties. Whether or not such mythological interpretations have authentic basis, its beautiful properties as a jewel for aesthetics continue to inspire across history.