Non-vitriolic iron-gall ink

Ingredients

metallic iron, gall nuts, binder

Preparation Steps

Original Recipe Text

This ink is prepared using metallic iron as the metal source rather than vitriol (p. 109). The chemical signature shows high iron content (Fe) but lacks significant traces of transition metals like copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), or manganese (Mn) (p. 109). It is often found in the westernmost and southernmost parts of the Frankish empire, particularly in 17 manuscripts from Tours, and in samples from Paris, Luxeuil, and Corbie (p. 110).

Evidence

"the larger part of the inks belong to the non-vitriolic subtype of iron-gall ink. ... characteristic of an early medieval iron-gall ink prepared with metallic iron, rather than vitriol."

Remarks

The study notes that this subtype is more difficult to compare semi-quantitatively than vitriolic ink because it lacks obvious inorganic contaminants (p. 111). Lead (Pb) was also detected beyond trace amounts in some samples, potentially originating from the metallic precursor or ore used in production (p. 111).