The green pigment found in prehistoric rock art was derived from a mineral known as:

The correct option is Chalcedony.

Explanation

Prehistoric rock paintings, particularly those found in sites like Bhimbetka (Madhya Pradesh), utilized natural mineral pigments. These pigments were prepared by grinding minerals into powder and mixing them with water and binders such as animal fat or plant gum. The durability of these paintings is attributed to the chemical stability of the mineral oxides used.

Analysis

The palette of prehistoric artists consisted primarily of white, yellow, orange, red ochre, purple, brown, green, and black. The sources for these specific colors were distinct minerals found in the local environment:

• Red: This was the most common color, derived from Hematite (iron oxide), locally known as Geru.
• White: This pigment was typically made from ground Limestone or Calcite.
• Green: This specific pigment was derived from a green variety of a stone called Chalcedony.

Green paintings are relatively rare compared to red and white and are often associated with the depiction of dancers in the Upper Palaeolithic and Mesolithic periods.

Key Takeaway: In the context of Indian prehistoric rock art (e.g., Bhimbetka), the green pigment was sourced from Chalcedony, whereas the red pigment was obtained from Hematite.