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Maya Blue Paint: An Ancient Nanostructured Material

Jose-Yacaman1, Rendon, Arenas

  • 1M. Jose-Yacaman and L. Rendon, Instituto de Fisica, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Apdo. Postal 20-364, Delegacion Alvaro Obregon, 01000 Mexico, D.F., Mexico. J. Arenas, Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Nucleares, Carr. Mexico-Toluca Km. 36.5, 52045 Salazar Edo. de Mexico. M. C. Serra Puche, Museo Nacional de Antropologia, Instituto Nacional de Antropologia e Historia, Paseo de la Reforma y Gandhi s/n, Polanco, 11560 Mexico, D.F., Mexico.

Science (New York, N.Y.)
|July 12, 1996
PubMed
Summary

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Researchers uncovered the secrets behind Maya blue paint

Area of Science:

  • Materials Science, Archaeology, Chemistry

Background:

  • Maya blue paint, a vibrant pigment used in Mesoamerica, possesses remarkable resistance to acids and biodegradation.
  • The precise origins of its unique color and durability have remained largely unexplained.
  • Understanding its composition is key to preserving ancient artifacts and potentially developing new durable materials.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the structural and chemical basis for the unique properties of Maya blue paint.
  • To investigate the roles of palygorskite, indigo, and nanoparticles in the paint's color and stability.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of authentic Maya blue paint samples using advanced techniques.
  • High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) for structural imaging.
  • Electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) and X-ray microanalysis for elemental and chemical state determination.

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Main Results:

  • Palygorskite crystals form a superlattice structure, likely due to interaction with indigo molecules.
  • An amorphous silicate substrate contains embedded metal nanoparticles and surface oxide nanoparticles.
  • The characteristic vibrant color is contingent upon the presence of both nanoparticles and the palygorskite superlattice.

Conclusions:

  • The unique properties of Maya blue paint result from a complex interplay between its mineral components and organic dye.
  • The formation of a palygorskite-indigo superlattice and the presence of specific nanoparticles are crucial for its color and durability.
  • These findings provide a molecular-level understanding of this ancient pigment's resilience.