| Abstract Scope |
Egyptian blue, based on mineral cuproriviate (CaCuSi4O10), is humanity’s earliest synthetic pigment, known in Egypt from c. 2900 BCE. Scientific investigation of Egyptian blue has been motivated by understanding material technology and conserving artifacts. Additionally, novel optical applications have been found for cuprorivaite. Egyptian blue is synthesized from a silica source like quartz, a copper source (e.g., copper mineral, metal shavings, or bronze scale), lime, and usually an alkali flux to lower the reaction temperature from ~1100°C to as low as ~850°C. In this work, we re-explore synthesis conditions including composition, precursor, temperature, and reaction time. Resulting materials are characterized by X-ray diffraction, visible absorption, and Raman spectroscopy. The synthetic materials are compared visually to art objects from museum collections. The ultimate goal of this work is to produce content highlighting Egyptian blue for a series upcoming exhibits focused on ancient Egypt at Carnegie Museum of Natural History. |