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Table 1 Composition of ancient pigments through multi-analysis

From: A multi-analytical approach to identify ancient pigments used in pottery towers excavated from the Han Dynasty tombs

Color

Sample

p-XRF

SEM–EDS

Raman (cm−1)

Chemical formula

Black

DAM1-30

Fe > Ca > K

 

1335, 1617

C (carbon black)

DAM11-38

   

DAM11-30

Fe > K > Ca

O > Ca > Si > Al

 

DAM11-37

 

O > Mn > C > Fe

 

White

DAM1-30

Ca > S > Fe

  

CaCO3 (calcite)

DAM28

  

1089

DAM11-38

   

DAM11-30

Ca > S > Fe

O > Si > Ca

 

Red

DAM1-30

S > Ca > Fe > Hg

  

HgS (cinnabar)

DAM11-30

S > Ca > Hg

  

DAM15-71

 

Hg > S > O

256, 281, 344