MOSAIC OF AGRA. 431 



with exactly similar characters, even containing the grey spherical spots, 

 but of rather larger dimensions. The grey sandstone which is also found 

 in the buildings of Agra, differs in no respect but colour, from the red, the 

 passage taking place very frequently both in a gradual and in a sudden 

 manner from red to grey, in the same block. I think it probable that this 

 range of sandstone forms part of the great sandstone formation of India; 

 on the N. E, boundary of which, are found Fattehpur Sikri, Machkund, 

 Dholpur, Gualior, Kallinjer, Chunarand Rotasgher ; and that it is connect- 

 ed to the S. W. with that of Gondwana. 



The crystallized limestone is said to come from Jaypur, but I have not 

 been able to obtain any precise information on this point. The specimens 

 which I have examined, appear to be pure carbonate of lime, of a large rhom- 

 boidal grain, effervescing very briskly in acids. I have seen no specimens, 

 which contain carbonate of magnesia, although the Hindu images formed 

 of dolomite or magnesian limestone, which are commonly sold in Calcutta, 

 are said to come from Jaypur. The Garrah Mandela limestone is a dolo- 

 mite of a small grain and more nearly resembles that of the above-mentioned 

 images. The marble of Agra resembles the Carrara marble of Italy in the 

 purity of its white, and in its containing grey streaks. 



The stones used in the mosaic of the Taj, and of the other buildings, are 

 of twelve kinds, including the different species of Calcedony ; they are, 



1. The Lapis Lazuli — Lajaverd. 



2. The Jasper — T6mrasang. 



3. Heliotrope. 



4. Calcedonic Agate. 



5. Calcedony. 



6. Carnelian. 



7. Sarde. 



8. Plasma or Quartz and Chlorite. 



SAkit. 



