Gypsum
Nearly transparent in oils used as an extender, filler or adulterant
Manufacturer / product code: Kremer / 58300
Chemical description: selenite, natural gypsum, hydrated calcium sulfate.
Color: white
Color Index: PW25
Gypsum—hydrated calcium sulfate—is one of the most ancient and versatile materials used in artistic production. Known since prehistoric times, it appears in early plasters, mortars, and sculptural objects. In ancient Egypt, gypsum was widely used for plastering tombs, preparing painting grounds, and creating fine white coatings beneath polychrome decoration. Its smooth, matte surface made it an ideal support for vivid mineral pigments.
Across the ancient Mediterranean, especially in Greek and Roman contexts, gypsum played a crucial role in architecture and wall painting. Artists prepared stucco and intonaco using gypsum-rich mixtures, creating durable bases for paintings and relief decorations. Gypsum’s rapid setting time allowed artisans to build precise ornamental details, from molded friezes to delicate figurative motifs.
Throughout the Middle Ages, gypsum remained essential in panel painting. It was the primary ingredient in gesso, the white preparatory layer applied to wooden panels, sculptures, and altar pieces. This smooth ground enabled the refined detail and brilliant colours characteristic of Byzantine icons, Gothic painting, and early Renaissance masterpieces.
In later centuries, gypsum continued to underpin artistic and architectural practice: from Baroque stucco ceilings to academic plaster casts used in drawing schools. Its stability, workability, and whiteness made it indispensable for both structural and decorative applications.
Raman Spectroscopy 532 nm – ElviRa Spectrometer for Art
Raman Spectroscopy 532 nm (ElviRa spectrometer) Pigments-Checker Database (67789 downloads )
Raman spectroscopy 785 nm
Pigments (powder, no binder)
Raman Spectroscopy 785 nm Pigments (pure, no binder) (70363 downloads )
Pigments with acrylic binder (Pigments Checker)
Raman Spectroscopy 785 nm Pigments-Checker Database (70812 downloads )
Pure pigments (no binder, just powder)
DOWNLOAD paper: “Pigments Checker version 3.0, a handy set for conservation scientists: A free online Raman spectra database”
Raman spectroscopy 1064 nm
Pigments (powder, no binder)
Raman Spectroscopy 1064 nm Pigments-Checker Database (52888 downloads )
XRF spectroscopy
XRF Spectroscopy Pigments-Checker Database (80840 downloads )
DOWNLOAD previous Database Pigments Checker V.3 DOWNLOAD paper: R. Larsen, N. Coluzzi, A. Cosentino “Free XRF Spectroscopy database of Pigments Checker” Intl Journal of Conservation Science.
Reflectance Spectroscopy (200-1000 nm) – GorgiasUV Spectrometer
Reflectance Spectroscopy (200-1000 nm) (GorgiasUV) Pigments-Checker Database (84540 downloads )
Reflectance spectroscopy – Gorgias Spectrometer for Art
Reflectance Spectroscopy (350-950 nm) (Gorgias) Pigments-Checker Database (91116 downloads )
NIR Reflectance spectroscopy
NIR-Reflectance Spectroscopy (930-1690 nm) Pigments-Checker Database (80112 downloads )
FT-IR Spectroscopy (Non-invasive Diffuse Reflectance Probe)
FTIR Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy Pigments-Checker Database (71556 downloads )
FTIR non-invasive Spectroscopy Pigments (pure, no binder) Database (73538 downloads )
Pigments databases
The Conservation & Art Materials Encyclopedia Online (CAMEO) is a comprehensive, searchable resource providing detailed technical information on materials (pigments), techniques, and tools used in art conservation, preservation, and scientific analysis.
IRUG (Infrared and Raman Users Group) Database
Open-access database of FTIR and Raman spectra for cultural heritage materials. Includes many historical pigments, dyes, and binders.
