iron gall ink

Ingredients

iron, sulfur, potassium, copper

Evidence

"The micro-XRF spectra analysis suggests iron gall ink due to the clear presence iron, sulfur, and copper. The prevalence of each element correlates well the iron gall ink fingerprint. (p. 83) ... if this ink is confirmed to be of the iron gall type, this fourth century document will serve as the earliest extant example of iron gall ink use for literary purposes. (p. 99)"

Remarks

In the ink of Codex A, the elements of iron, sulfur, potassium, and copper are distinctly present in the micro-XRF spectrum. Iron is the predominant element. Near-IR frequency rendered the text illegible at extremely long wavelengths (p. 83). The prevalence of each element correlates with the expected chemical fingerprint for iron-gall inks. Although indicative, scientists claim more tests must be done to definitively conclude this ink is of iron gall origin (p. 99). If proven, it represents the earliest known use of iron gall ink in history (p. 83).