Archaeologists excavating a newly identified satellite site in Haryana have discovered a sophisticated mineral-glass laboratory dating back to the Mature Harappan period. The facility contains a series of high-temperature furnace pits surrounded by slag and raw mineral deposits, including rare cobalt used to create deep blue pigments. This discovery suggests that the Indus Valley civilization had mastered complex chemical metallurgy to produce semi-synthetic gemstones for elite trade.
Among the most significant finds are a cache of intact cobalt-inlaid beads and several stone molds used for shaping molten glass into uniform ornaments. The presence of specialized grinding tools and chemical residues indicates a highly organized industry focused on luxury exports. This find provides the earliest evidence of cobalt processing in the region, highlighting the advanced scientific knowledge of Harappan artisans in the 3rd millennium BCE.