Composition of prehistoric rock-painting pigments from Egypt (Gilf Kébir area)

The composition of rock-painting pigments from Egypt (Gilf Kebia area) has been analyzed by means of molecular spectroscopy such as Fourier transform infrared and micro-Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy coupled to an energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer and X-ray fluorescence analysis.Red and yellow pigments were recognized as red and yellow ochre with additional rutile.

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► Prehistorical red and yellow pigments from Egypt are ochres with additional rutile.
► Al, Si, Ti and Fe are the major components, with small amount of Ca and traces of Mn.
► The pigments contain high percentage contributions of Si-rich and Al–Si-rich particle types.
► Iron oxides and titanium oxide are present like incorporations into grains of aluminosilicates.