Gall apples for iron gall ink:
Make your own ancient ink!
The roundish gall apple is a so-called plant gall that can appear on the underside of oak leaves, twigs and buds in the fall. The outgrowths are caused by deposited fertilized eggs of the oak gall wasp (Cynips quercusfolii). Through these, the plant tissue is stimulated to grow. A gall is the protective cover for a growing wasp larva. Gall apples are needed for the production of iron gall ink, which was already known in Roman antiquity and of course later in the Middle Ages.
- Contents: 80 g of dried gall apples
- Very good quality; high yield.
How the gall apple becomes the ancient iron gall ink
The gall apple contains, among other things, 55 to 65 percent gall tannic acid (tannin) and gallic acid. The decoction of coarsely ground gall apples, together with iron salts, yields deep dark compounds that are used as black ink, called iron gall ink, even today when signing state treaties. It is considered to be particularly long-lasting.
And this is how it works: The production of iron gall ink from gall apples
- The gall apples (80 g) are boiled in 500 ml water (approx.1/2 hour).
- Add ferrous sulfate II (can be bought in the pharmacy as powder and use only under protective measures).
- As a binder, mix in gummi arabicum (20 g). Also available in the Römershop!
Obtain a durable ink from gall apples and gummi arabicum
The ink now produced is initially only faintly colored. However, through oxidation with the oxygen in the air, the very durable, varnish-like ink is soon formed, which darkens visibly until it is finally almost black. This is how the ancient Romans did it to make their own iron gall ink. A little time is required, however, to create a rich black ink script. But the effort and the time are worth it: the ink is exceptionally durable, and since it is applied like varnish, it also appears very noble.
The iron gall ink is ready: Into the inkwell!
And the iron gall ink can already be filled into the antique inkwell. Look around among the stationery in the Roman store ... you will also find the matching quill and the calamus for your own ink here. And already the writing pleasure can begin with the specially produced iron gallus ink. Dip your nib or writing tube into the ink, let it drip off and start writing. An impressive result!
Important warning: Use the Iron Gallus Ink only with nibs (goose feather) or reeds (calamus)! Iron Gallus Ink is not suitable for ink pens!
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