Palembang Keris

A. G. Maisey · Today, 03:22 AM

Arsenic has a long history of medicinal use in Europe & Britain:-

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8860286/

I also know that it was/is used in Javanese jamu & Chinese traditional medicines sold in Jawa.

I do not know when it started to be used in Jawa & other places as a blade stain.

The warangan sold in Jawa is an unrefined, naturally occurring mineral that does contain arsenic.

I have been told by a very experienced collector of high quality Indo-Persian weapons that a mineral similar --- or maybe the same --- as warangan was used in India to stain blades.

Today, 03:22 AM	#33
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 7,263	Arsenic has a long history of medicinal use in Europe & Britain:- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8860286/ I also know that it was/is used in Javanese jamu & Chinese traditional medicines sold in Jawa. I do not know when it started to be used in Jawa & other places as a blade stain. The warangan sold in Jawa is an unrefined, naturally occurring mineral that does contain arsenic. I have been told by a very experienced collector of high quality Indo-Persian weapons that a mineral similar --- or maybe the same --- as warangan was used in India to stain blades.