"Among the metals, gold is most frequently mentioned in the Rigveda.... The metal which is most often referred to in the Rigveda next to gold is called ayas (Latin aes) .... In . most passages where it occurs the word appears to mean simply 'metal' . :In the few cases where it designates a particular metal, the evidence is not very conclusive; but the inference which may be drawn as to its colour is decidedly in ' favour of its having been reddish, which points to bronze and not iron.... It seems quite likely that the Aryans of that period were unacquainted with silver, . for its name is not mentioned in the Rigveda ...."