Saltpetre is still derived from the Elburz range, and also from Azerbijan.
The salt of Lake Urumiyeh is mentioned by Strabo, who says that it forms naturally on the surface, which would imply a far more complete saturation of the water than at present exists, even in the driest seasons.

The gems above mentioned are assigned to Media chiefly by Pliny.

The Median emeralds, according to him, were of the largest size; they varied considerably, sometimes approaching to the character of the sapphire, in which case they were apt to be veiny, and to have flaws in them.

They were far less esteemed than the emeralds of many other countries.

The Median lapis lazuli, on the other hand, was the best of its kind.