An improved HPLC method coupled to PCA for the identification of Tyrian purple in archaeological and historical samples

► Colouring components of Tyrian purple are synthesized and characterized. ► An improved method to extract Tyrian purple, prior to HPLC analysis, is developed. ► The method is used to treat various samples (mollusan, historical, archaeological). ► Samples are analyzed using HPLC, which provide novel results. ► Principal component analysis (PCA) is applied to distinguish molluscan species.