Egyptian Blue: How an Ancient Pigment Could Save Lives

Egyptian blue, the first artificial pigment, was created by ancient Egyptians around 2,600 BCE. It was used extensively in art and decoration but fell out of use by the 4th century. Rediscovered in 1814, its chemical composition was identified as calcium copper tetrasilicate. Modern science has found new applications for Egyptian blue, including medical imaging and security inks, due to its unique infrared properties.

What was the significance of the color blue to the ancient Egyptians?

What were the main ingredients mentioned by Vitruvius for making Egyptian blue?

Describe the process used by ancient Egyptians to create Egyptian blue pigment.

How did the discovery of Egyptian blue in 1814 contribute to our understanding of its composition?

What potential modern applications does Egyptian blue have according to recent scientific findings?