Pigment Study

Mapping mineral pigments across Asia, Africa, the Mediterranean, and the Americas with spectral imaging and provenance trails.

Spectral imaging Provenance Trade routes

Methods

  • Hyperspectral scans (400–1000nm)
  • XRF for elemental signatures
  • Reflectance transformation imaging (RTI)
  • Geo-linked pigment source database

Comparative

Azurite vs. lapis lazuli across Asia, Mediterranean, and Africa.

See pigment routes →

Case Studies

Silk Road murals, Benin bronzes patina, Nazca textiles dyes.

Dyes in textiles →

Findings

  • Azurite clusters along Mediterranean maritime lanes
  • Indigo variants mapped from West Africa to South Asia
  • Cinnabar sourcing differences between Andes and Asia

Cross-Link

Open a pigment route in GeoStories, then inspect surfaces in 3D Tours or listen via Audio Guides.

Back to collections →

Extended Methods

We combine hyperspectral imaging, XRF, Raman, and GIS sourcing to build pigment biographies across continents.

  • Sample-safe workflows; cross-checks with published spectra libraries.
  • Route reconstruction via GeoStories (mines, ports, workshops).
  • Surface/volume correlation: paint strata in 3D models from 3D Tours.

Quick Facts

  • Spectra: 400–1000nm + XRF
  • Focus: Azurite, lapis, cinnabar, indigo
  • Outputs: Maps, spectra cards, case studies

Learning Modules

  1. Reading spectra: peaks, reflectance, impurities.
  2. Trade attribution: matching mines to objects.
  3. Color change over time: lightfastness and varnish effects.
  4. Cross-compare with Weaving dyes and Manuscripts inks.

Downloads & Media

  • Spectra cards (PNG/PDF) for classroom use
  • GeoJSON pigment routes for map exercises
  • Slide deck: pigments by region and era

FAQ

Do you share raw spectra?

We provide representative spectra cards; raw datasets available to partner institutions on request.

Lightfastness guidance?

Yes—each pigment includes stability notes and display recommendations.

How to integrate in class?

Use spectra vs. trade-route maps, then compare with glaze chemistry in Asian Artifacts or fresco work in Mediterranean.