red ink, cinnabar
Iran
9th Century
Source: Zarei, L., Kasiri, M. B., Achachlouei, M. M., & Khiavi, V. J. (2018). Characterization of a Leather Quran Housed at the Tabriz Quran and Scribing Museum. Journal of Research on Archaeometry, 4(1), 37-46.
Recipe Details
Ingredients
mercury, sulfur, silicon, calcium
Preparation Steps
The red ink is identified as cinnabar (HgS), likely prepared by grinding natural mineral cinnabar or producing synthetic vermillion (p. 9). The analytical results (Table 3, p. 9) showed Mercury (Hg: 12.87 %W) and Sulfur (S: 7.91 %W). It also contained significant Silicon (39.30 %W) and Calcium (11.60 %W), which are attributed to surface environmental deposits or impurities (p. 9-10).
Original Recipe Text
The red ink is identified as cinnabar (HgS), likely prepared by grinding natural mineral cinnabar or producing synthetic vermillion (p. 9). The analytical results (Table 3, p. 9) showed Mercury (Hg: 12.87 %W) and Sulfur (S: 7.91 %W). It also contained significant Silicon (39.30 %W) and Calcium (11.60 %W), which are attributed to surface environmental deposits or impurities (p. 9-10).
Evidence
"Regarding the red ink, cinnabar is suggested as mercury and sulfur elements were identified."
Remarks
The red ink was used for vocalization marks (dots). The presence of Calcium and Silicon is interpreted as superficial deposits rather than intentional ink components (p. 10). It is also suggested that the artist might have added white compounds containing silicon and calcium to brighten the red color (p. 10).
Scientific Analysis
Chemical CompositionHgS
Analytical Techniques
SEM-EDX
Certainty Level
Probable
Instrumentally Verified
Verified
Metadata
Material Type
pigment
ColorRed
RegionIran
Approx. Year850
Source Information
AuthorZarei, L., Kasiri, M. B., Achachlouei, M. M., & Khiavi, V. J.
CollectionTabriz Quran and Redaction Museum
Language
N/A
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