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Tyrian Purple

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Tyrian Purple 

a natural dye of a reddish purple color. Ty-rian purple is obtained from glands of marine gastropod mollusks known as purple snails. It may be chemically derived from natural indigo (6,6’-dibromindigo). The use of Tyrian purple for dyeing dates back to 1600 B.C. Its discovery is attributed to the Phoenicians, and its use was mentioned in ancient Egyptian papyruses, in the writings of Pliny the Elder, and in other sources. Tyrian purple was extracted from the gastropod Murex brandaris echinus. In ancient Rome the wearing of purple garments was a mark of high office.
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Nor were their ornaments like those in use to-day, set off by Tyrian purple, and silk tortured in endless fashions, but the wreathed leaves of the green dock and ivy, wherewith they went as bravely and becomingly decked as our Court dames with all the rare and far-fetched artifices that idle curiosity has taught them.
Don Quixote by Cervantes, Miguel View in context
 
 
 
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