Egyptian blue, the oldest synthetic pigment in human history, was first manufactured in Egypt around 3300 BCE and used widely in artwork throughout the Mediterranean until the Middle Ages. Known for its chemical stability and luminescence, this copper-based pigment holds promise in modern applications, including forensic imaging and solar reflective paints. While its general production process is understood, gaps remain in the regional and temporal variations of these methods, particularly at the atomic scale. This study aims to address these gaps by examining ancient Egyptian blue samples from Egypt, Cyprus, and Pompeii, alongside modern replicas. Multi-scale characterization techniques, culminating in transmission electron microscopy (TEM) at unprecedented spatial resolution, will be used to investigate nanoscale structural defects and image down to individual atoms of the pigment’s crystal lattice. By comparing geographical production methods from across timescales, this study seeks to uncover new insights on the materials, techniques, and energy requirements of ancient Egyptian blue production, as well as knowledge exchange across different cultures. Ultimately, this project seeks to deepen understanding of ancient craftsmanship and explore how these insights can inform modern innovations in sustainable materials engineering.

I am undertaking this project to deepen my knowledge of materials characterization while sharpening my skills as an interdisciplinary researcher. My interests lie in bridging archaeology and materials science, with an emphasis on how learning from ancient techniques can make modern practices more sustainable. Through SuperUROP, I hope to gain a comprehensive understanding of developing and fully executing a research project. I am excited for the year!