طلق (Mica/Talc)

Ingredients

طلق, صمغ عربی, زعفران, یخ, سنگ‌ریزه, کتان یا کرباس

Preparation Steps

Original Recipe Text

The recipe follows a precise 'powdering' method (p. 6). 1. Purification: Talc pieces (Talc/Mica) are boiled to remove surface fats and impurities (p. 7). 2. Extraction: The boiled talc is placed in a strong, fine-weave linen or cotton cloth with pebbles and ice pieces (p. 7). 3. Processing: The cloth is squeezed and rubbed by hand over a large open-mouthed bowl. As the ice melts, it forces extremely fine talc particles through the fabric into the bowl water (p. 7). 4. Preparation: The mixture settles for 24 hours; the excess water is decanted, and the powder is dried in a glass container (p. 7). 5. Mixing: 8g of processed talc powder is mixed with 3g of gum arabic that has been pre-soaked for three days (p. 7). 6. Coloring: To achieve the 'Golden' hue, 1g of boiled saffron (concentrated in 1/3 cup of water over indirect heat) is added drop-wise (3-5 drops) until the desired golden color is reached (p. 7).

Evidence

"در این آزمایش در ساده‌ترین حالت از ترکیب صمغ با طلق مرکب لیقه نقره‌ای را به دست می‌آوریم. برای به دست آوردن رنگ ذهبی... چند قطره رنگ زعفران مطبوخ... اضافه می‌کنیم."

Remarks

This ink, known as Liqa-ye Zahabi, serves as a substitute for gold leaf (p. 3). The study emphasizes the theory of 'Imtizaj' (Fusion) over 'Tarkib' (Combination), adhering to Aristotelian quadruple elements and temperaments (p. 3). The 'cold and dry' nature of talc must be balanced with the 'hot and dry' nature of saffron to reach 'equilibrium' (I'tidal) (p. 7-8). Microscopy confirms that the ink contains millions of tiny reflective mica/talc particles which provide the sheen (p. 7).