purple dye murex C017 / 1289
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Science Photo Library
purple dye murex C017 / 1289
purple dye murex (Bolinus brandaris) (Gastropod) on a beach in Israel, a sea snail. Murex was at one time greatly valued as the source for purple dye. It discharges a purple ink from the hypobranchial gland in the mantle cavity as a smoke screen, from behind which it can flee. The Phoenicians, centred on Tyre, gathered the snails, crushed & boiled them with salt for several days to extract the ink. The liquid was allowed to cool & over a period of time the colour changed for yellow to green to blue & then a rich purple. The extraction of the ink & the manufacture of purple cloth made Tyre a household word in the past
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 9339407
© PHOTOSTOCK-ISRAEL/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Beach Gastropod Gastropoda Israel Israeli Mollusc Mollusca Mollusk Muricidae Purple Rock Snail Shell Shore Snail Murex Murex Snail
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the mesmerizing beauty of a purple dye murex, also known as Bolinus brandaris, found on a picturesque beach in Israel. This sea snail belongs to the gastropod family and holds great historical significance due to its role as a source for purple dye. The vibrant purple hue that this mollusk is famous for comes from the ink it discharges from its hypobranchial gland in the mantle cavity. Interestingly, this ink serves as a smoke screen, allowing the murex to escape from potential threats behind an enchanting cloud of color. In ancient times, the Phoenicians recognized the value of these snails and would gather them along the shores of Tyre. They would then crush and boil them with salt for several days to extract their precious ink. As time passed, this liquid transformed from yellow to green to blue before finally turning into a rich shade of purple. The extraction process and subsequent manufacturing of purple cloth made Tyre renowned throughout history. Today, this remarkable creature continues to captivate nature enthusiasts with its striking appearance and fascinating abilities. Photographed by PHOTOSTOCK-ISRAEL/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY, this image not only captures the allure of Israeli wildlife but also pays homage to an ancient tradition that has left an indelible mark on our cultural heritage.
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