Kharpar

The identity of Kharpar is a disputed. A scan of available literature indicates it to be a compound containing prominently Zinc. Kharpar is also defined as being Maroon in colour. The descriptions point towards Red Oxide of Zinc commonly known as Zincite.

Zincite is the mineral form of Zinc oxide (ZnO). In nature its crystal form is rare, with the exception of Franklin, New Jersey, an area also known for its fluorescent minerals. It has a hexagonal crystal structure and color that depends on impurities. The zincite found in Franklin, New Jersey is red-colored (mostly due to iron and manganese).Zincite crystals can be grown artificially and synthetic zincite crystals are available as a by-product of zinc smelting. Synthetic crystals can be colorless or range in color from dark red, orange, yellow to light green.

However even if Zincite matches the description there is huge query as to whether Zincite was freely available in ancient India.

Certain scholars co-relate Kharpar as Zinc carbonate(ZnCo3).