mica, quartz sand, red iron-oxide, egg-shells, seashells

Ingredients

mica, quartz sand, iron-oxide, egg-shells, seashells

Preparation Steps

Original Recipe Text

A combination of red pigment with sand or mica was found, specifically mixtures of red iron-oxide powder with mica and red iron-oxide powder with quartz sand (p. 164). White particles were identified as biominerals like crushed egg-shells or seashells; chlorine content specifically pointed to the use of seashells (p. 167). Metal splinters, including gold, were also sparingly applied (p. 171).

Evidence

"They were identified as mica, a sheet silicate... mixture of red iron-oxide powder with mica... crushed white egg-shells or white seashells."

Remarks

Particles were used for two functions: blotting (to dry the ink) and decoration (to add sparkle). Blotting sand is typically found in the lower lines of a page, whereas decorative mica or gold specks are intentionally placed on specific words or throughout the text (p. 160). Thick clusters of sand-like particles can cause mechanical damage and friction in the spine-folds (p. 169).