Scientists Achieve Successful Recreation of Egyptian Blue, the Earliest Known Synthetic Pigment in History

An ancient wooden Egyptian falcon along with a powder created by WSU for Egyptian blue investigations have illuminated the history of the oldest synthetic pigment, Egyptian blue, which dates back to around 3300 BCE. A partnership between Washington State University (WSU), the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, and the Smithsonian’s Museum Conservation Institute has allowed scholars to recreate the pigment’s long-lost formula.

A research article published in NPJ Heritage Science outlined the methodology where raw ingredients such as crystalline silicon dioxide, copper, calcium, and sodium carbonate were merged in 12 different formulations and heated to over 1800 degrees Fahrenheit for as long as 11 hours. The pigments underwent analysis and comparison with ancient artifacts.

John McCloy from WSU underscored the importance of the research in enhancing our understanding of human history via scientific means. Egyptian blue, which was once a budget-friendly substitute for minerals like lapis lazuli, displayed variations in hue and application. Its formulation was obscured after the fall of the Roman Empire until this recent discovery.

McCloy pointed out that variations in the process greatly influenced the outcomes. Today, the pigment has regained interest for sophisticated applications such as in fingerprint technology and inks, as it emits light within the near-infrared spectrum.

The cultural and artistic significance of Egyptian blue, generated within a sophisticated cultural framework, is highlighted by archeologist Moujin Matin. Samples from WSU are showcased at the Carnegie Museum, which is set to debut a new gallery dedicated to ancient Egypt.