Pigments-Lead-based whites, reds, yellows and oranges and their alteration phases

This review summarises the state-of-the-art of lead-based pigment studies, addressing their production, trade, use and possible alteration. Other issues, such as those related to the investigation and protection of artworks bearing lead-based pigments are also presented. The focus is mineralogical, as both raw materials and degradation products are mineral phases occurring in nature (except for very few cases). The minerals described are abellaite, anglesite, blixite, caledonite, challacolloite, cerussite, cotunnite, crocoite, galena, grootfonteinite, hydrocerussite, laurionite, leadhillite, litharge, macphersonite, massicot, mimetite, minium, palmierite, phosgenite, plattnerite, plumbonacrite, schultenite, scrutinyite, somersetite, susannite, vanadinite and an unnamed phase (PbMg(CO3)(2)). The pigments discussed are lead white, red lead, litharge, massicot, lead-tin yellow, lead-tin-antimony yellow, lead-chromate yellow and Naples yellow. An attempt is made to describe the history, technology and alteration of these pigments in the most complete manner possible, despite the topic's evident breadth. Finally, an insight into the analytical methods that can (and should) be used for accurate archaeometric investigations and a summary of key concepts conclude this review, along with a further list of references for use as a starting point for further research.

Automated summary

This review summarises the current state of research on lead-based pigments, covering their production, trade, use, and potential alteration. It also discusses issues related to the investigation and protection of artworks containing these pigments. The focus is on the mineralogical aspects, describing both the raw materials and degradation products that are mineral phases found in nature. The review examines various minerals and pigments, describing their history, technology, and alteration. Additionally, it provides insight into analytical methods for accurate archaeometric investigations and includes a list of references for further research.