Thermally-induced color transformation of hematite: insight into the prehistoric natural pigment preparation
Nadya Nurdini, Moh. Mualliful Ilmi, Evi Maryanti, Pindi Setiawan, Grandprix T.M. Kadja, Ismunandar Ismunandar
Abstract
transition exhibited lower energy for hematite produced at a higher temperature. This induced a shift in the absorbed energy of the polychromatic light that led to a color shift within hematite, from red to purple. Our finding emphasizes the importance of electronic structure in explaining hematite pigment's color change rather than relying on simple reasons, such as particle size and crystallinity. In addition, this might strengthen the hypothesis that the prehistoric human created a purple hematite pigment through heating.
Topics & Concepts
HematiteCrystallinitySinteringMaterials scienceMineralogyChemical engineeringPigmentChemistryMetallurgyComposite materialOrganic chemistryEngineeringMineralogy and Gemology StudiesPigment Synthesis and PropertiesCultural Heritage Materials Analysis