Iron gall ink

Iron gall ink is a type of ink that was primarily used in Europe from the 5th to the 19th century. It is known for its durability and permanence, making it a popular choice for important documents and manuscripts.

History

Iron gall ink was first documented in the works of Pliny the Elder, a Roman author and naturalist, who described its use by the Romans in the 1st century AD. However, it is believed to have been used even earlier by the Greeks. The ink was widely used in Europe during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance period for writing, drawing, and music notation.

Composition

The main ingredients of iron gall ink are tannin, extracted from galls (usually oak galls), and iron salts, such as ferrous sulfate. The tannin acts as a mordant, binding the ink to the paper, while the iron salts provide the dark color. The ink is usually prepared by mixing a solution of tannin and iron salts with a binder, such as gum arabic, and a preservative, such as alcohol.

Properties

Iron gall ink is known for its strong adhesion to paper and its resistance to fading, even when exposed to light or heat. However, it can be corrosive to paper over time, causing it to become brittle and crack. This is due to the acidic nature of the ink, which can degrade the cellulose in the paper.

Preservation

Due to the potential for damage to documents written with iron gall ink, preservation efforts are important. These typically involve neutralizing the acid in the ink with an alkaline substance, such as calcium or magnesium bicarbonate. In some cases, documents may be digitized to preserve the information they contain.

See also

• List of inks
• History of writing materials
• Manuscript culture