This work presents the results of an investigation of the inorganic paintings used in the burial chamber at Idout tomb. This tomb was discovered in 1927 and dates back to the Old Kingdom, Early 6th Dynasty (2420-2280 B.C.). Blue, red, dark red, brown yellow, white and black colors were used in the tomb in order to creating the painting, which kept their original hue of their brilliance color till now. The technical features of the painting were investigated using optical and digital microscope (VHX). The components of the substrate, paintings and preparatory layer of the painted areas were characterized using chemical analyses; optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy Equipped with Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis System (SEM-EDS). The pigments either natural or semi-synthetic, or synthetic were utilized to produce pure colors (blue, red, yellow, white, black and brown). SEM-EDS and XRD highlighted that the painting was made on a preparatory layer of gypsum, applied onto coarser layer built up mainly of gypsum admixed with limestone fragments and sand.
Akarish et al. (Tue,) studied this question.