Limonite, Alunite, Jarosite, Phoenicochroite, Pyromorphite, Wulfenite

Ingredients

limonite, alunite, jarosite, phoenicochroite, pyromorphite, wulfenite, kaolinite, calcite, gypsum, quartz

Preparation Steps

Original Recipe Text

Clay-based yellow pigments such as limonite and jarosite were likely locally sourced from the Arghash area in south-western Nishapur (p. 185). In contrast, the rare lead-bearing yellow pigments including phoenicochroite, pyromorphite, and wulfenite are suggested to be imported, potentially from mines like Seh-Changi, Chah Khuni, or the Gologa mine in Afghanistan (p. 187). Historical texts like Tabari’s Tohfat al-Gharayeb (ca. 1093) mention that slaked lime should be mixed and heated with water and pigments in a big pan before use as a paint layer (p. 182).

Evidence

"The main coloring agent of this group of yellow pigments was limonite, iron hydroxide (FeOOH), as suggested by μ-Raman bands at 300, 399, and 687 cm−1 (p. 184)."

Remarks

The association of kaolinite and alunite with limonite points to a local provenance for these pigments (p. 175). These findings suggest that pigment use and manufacturing during the 9th to 11th centuries in Nishapur was still in a trial-and-error stage (p. 175). Some lead-based yellows (phoenicochroite) were found precipitated on gypsum crystals (p. 187).