Multi-Scale Characterization of Unusual Green and Blue Pigments from the Pharaonic Town of Amara West, Nubia

Pigments from paint palettes and a grindstone excavated the pharaonic town of Amara West (c. 1300–1050 BCE), which lies between Second Third Cataracts Nile, were examined using polarized light microscopy, attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy. Most pigments consistent typical ancient Egyptian palette, but greens some blues unusual. Two types green pigment identified, chlorite (varieties clinochlore penninite) copper chloride hydroxide (atacamite type). The former constitutes type earth has only rarely been identified in contexts may be more widespread than is currently reported. majority blue samples blue, found to earth, main component being sodic amphibole riebeckite. use this mineral as not previously reported any Nile Valley context. These results prompt questions around local potentially indigenous practices within an colonial context, highlight avenues for future research.