gypsum

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Gypsum

This page presents the Spectroscopic analysis of this pigment.
The pigment has been examined using XRF spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, and Reflectance Spectroscopy. These complementary techniques provide valuable insights into the pigment’s composition and structure.
This page aims to show which analytical methods are most effective for identifying this pigment in artworks and historical materials. By comparing results across different techniques, it serves as a practical reference for Heritage Science, Conservation, and Pigment Analysis.

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 (74107 downloads )

Raman spectroscopy 785 nm

Pigments (powder, no binder)

Raman Spectroscopy 785 nm Pigments (pure, no binder) (76765 downloads )

Pigments with acrylic binder (Pigments Checker)

Raman Spectroscopy 785 nm Pigments-Checker Database (77683 downloads )

Pure pigments (no binder, just powder)

DOWNLOAD Free Raman Database

DOWNLOAD paper: “Pigments Checker version 3.0, a handy set for conservation scientists: A free online Raman spectra database”

Gypsum 58300 Raman Spectroscopy Pigments Checker

Raman spectroscopy 1064 nm

Pigments (powder, no binder)

Raman Spectroscopy 1064 nm Pigments-Checker Database (57761 downloads )

XRF spectroscopy

XRF Spectroscopy Pigments-Checker Database (88989 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.

Pigments Checker (TP-MSI calibration card included)

Pigments databases

CAMEO MFA

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.