vitriolic iron-gall ink

Ingredients

iron, copper, manganese, zinc, potassium, tannins, gum arabic

Preparation Steps

Original Recipe Text

The primary ink is a vitriolic iron-gall ink used during the initial production process of the manuscript (p. 3). XRF point analysis and mapping identified iron (Fe) as the main element, with significant amounts of copper (Cu) and trace amounts of manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn) (p. 4). The presence of potassium (K) is associated with the plant tannins used in the recipe (p. 4, 6). FTIR spectra showed a characteristic band for gum arabic at ~1376 cm⁻¹ (p. 7).

Evidence

"Starting with the ink used for the text without later interventions, XRF analysis indicates the presence of iron (Fe; Kα- 6.41, Kβ-7.05) as the main element in the ink of all three fragments, confirming the use of iron-gall ink (Fig. 4a). Additionally, variable amounts of copper (Cu; Kα- 8.05, Kβ-8.9) were found to be present in the ink, followed by lower amounts of manganese (Mn; Kα-5.90) and zinc (Zn; Kα-8.63), allowing us to classify this ink as a vitriolic iron-gall ink."

Remarks

This ink was used by professional copyists to write the initial sacred text of the Umayyad Qur'ān (p. 3, 9). The Cu/Fe ratio was significantly higher than that of the secondary ink, providing a diagnostic fingerprint for the original layer (p. 4, 6). The ink appears faded on the flesh side of the parchment leaves (p. 3). It showed signs of corrosion and flaking in specific areas (p. 4).