gems, analytical, vitreous materials, glass, Egyptian blue

The chemical composition, microstructure, hardness, and colour of a series of ancient Egyptian Blue samples from Egypt, the Near East and Europe have been investigated using principally atomic absorption spectrophotometry and scanning electron microscopy. Egyptian Blue has been produced in the laboratory by using a range of compositions and firing procedures and has been compared with the ancient material. From these results, information on the techniques used in antiquity to produce Egyptian Blue has been obtained. In particular, it seems probable that a two-stage firing cycle with grinding and moulding to the final shape between the first and second firing was used in the production of small objects.