The Tomb of the Three Brothers in Palmyra: The Use of Mimetite, A Rare Yellow Pigment, in A Rich Decoration

A rare yellow pigment, mimetite, has been identified for the first time in the richly decorated Tomb of the Three Brothers at Palmyra. This discovery highlights the sophisticated use of pigments during the Greco-Roman period, including Egyptian blue and other chromatic materials, which were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDS) and X-ray micro-diffraction (XRD). The study reveals notable differences between the pigments used in the arch decorations compared to those in the rest of the chamber, underscoring the meticulous craftsmanship and artistic refinement of the time. This finding sheds new light on the palette and techniques employed by ancient artists.

Buisson, N., Burlot, D., Eristov, H., Eveno, M., & Sarkis, N. (2014). The Tomb of the Three Brothers in Palmyra: The Use of Mimetite, A Rare Yellow Pigment, in A Rich Decoration. Archaeometry, 57(6), 1025–1044. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/arcm.12087