Mineral Pigments in Archaeology: Their Analysis and the Range of Available Materials

Naturally occurring minerals or their synthetic analogues have been important as pigments used in artistic and cosmetic contexts in global antiquity. The analysis and identification of mineral pigments, though routine to the petrologist or mineralogist, also requires specialist knowledge of the arch...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Ruth Siddall
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2018-05-01
Series:Minerals
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.mdpi.com/2075-163X/8/5/201
Description
Summary:Naturally occurring minerals or their synthetic analogues have been important as pigments used in artistic and cosmetic contexts in global antiquity. The analysis and identification of mineral pigments, though routine to the petrologist or mineralogist, also requires specialist knowledge of the archaeological contexts and available technologies and trade. This paper attempts to present an analytical approach to the study of mineral pigments in archaeology and also introduces the range of mineral pigments encountered in works of art and painted objects on archaeological sites and in museums. It attempts to cover the range of mineral and synthetic inorganic pigments used in global cultures from to the early Medieval period.
ISSN:2075-163X