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The Weird History and Chemistry of Pigment: Ultramarine Blue

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Introduction to Ultramarine:      Lapis Lazuli, also known as ultramarine, has long been revered as one of the most exquisite and coveted pigments in the history of art. Its deep blue hue, derived from a rare and precious mineral, has adorned the works of master artists and illuminated the pages of ancient manuscripts for centuries. Join me as we delve into the fascinating story of Lapis Lazuli, exploring its origins, production, and artistic significance. Extracting Ultramarine from Lapis Lazuli:      The pigment, ultramarine, comes from the mineral, Lapis Lazuli. It is mined from remote regions such as Afghanistan, Chile, and Russia, where deposits of the semi-precious stone are found. The largest source and the most historically significant was Afghanistan. Smaller amounts can be found in Pakistan, Italy, Mongolia, the USA, and Canada. It was originally traded as a decorative stone and used in expensive jewelry long before it was ground up for pigment. ...
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The Weird History and Chemistry of Pigment: Tyrian Purple

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  Introduction:      Imagine a color so prized, it was reserved for royalty and draped emperors in cloaks of unimaginable value. This wasn't just any purple; this was Tyrian purple, a color steeped in mystery and a history as rich as its hue.      In this short post we will be unveiling the fascinating story of Tyrian purple, exploring its laborious production, cultural significance, and the science behind its elusive color. A Shellfish Secret: Unveiling the Source:     The surprising source of Tyrian purple: the murex snail. Formally, it comes from the Muricidae family of sea snails. What would become dye and/or pigment was extracted from a gland. The hypobranchial gland and chemical it stores is used to protect the masses of snail eggs from bacteria.     E xtracting the dye was a gruesome affair. Thousands of these unsuspecting mollusks were crushed to get at the gland, releasing a viscous, purple fluid that had to be painstakingl...
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The Weird history and Chemistry of Bone Black

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Introduction       Introducing Bone Black, a historic pigment derived from the charring of animal bones, with a wide range of applications outside of just art.       This exploration delves into the origins, production methods, artistic uses, and industrial significance of Bone Black, shedding light on its diverse and enduring legacy. Unveiling the Origins and Production Methods       Bone Black traces its origins to ancient civilizations like Egypt and Greece, where it was utilized for purposes ranging from artistic expression to medical treatment.       Traditional production methods involved the controlled charring of animal bones in specialized kilns at about 1292 °F (700 °C) with low oxygen, resulting in a fine black powder known as Bone Black. Also, it was common for ivory to be burned and turned into a version of bone black called ivory black. This practice has been banned due to the hunting of endangered animals for the...
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The Weird History and Chemistry of Lead White

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  Introduction:      Lead white, a pigment with a history nearly as long as civilization itself, has played a significant role in the artistic landscape for millennia. This blog post delves into the origins, properties, artistic applications, and cultural significance of lead white, exploring its enduring appeal and the complexities surrounding its use. Uncovering the Origins and History:      Lead white boasts ancient origins, dating back to Egyptian and Greek civilizations who used it for cosmetic and artistic purposes. It can be made or found naturally as the mineral, cerussite.      The "Dutch process" for producing lead white emerged in the Middle Ages, becoming the dominant method for centuries. The methods of making it have varied in the specifics and little intricacies, but it involves exposing metallic lead to acetic acid (vinegar) and its fumes. The lead will react and form a white crust, which is lead white.    ...
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