Scientists Crack the Ancient Mystery Behind the Mesmerizing ‘Maya Blue’ Pigment—And the Secrets Are Stunning
The method for making such a durable pigment is complex, and for decades its secrets were seemingly lost to time. That changed in 2008, when a team of researchers led by Dean Arnold conducted an analysis of the pigment found on pottery at Chichén Itzá and uncovered a method of recreating Maya blue. The secret, they determined, was a sacred incense called copal, which was heated with indigo and the clay mineral palygorskite over a fire to create this unique pigment.
However, at the annual meeting of the Society for American Archaeology in Denver on April 25, 2025, Arnold presented a second method for creating Maya blue. Arnold’s recently published book Maya Blue describes the research process that led to this breakthrough discovery, one that both sheds new light and uncovers new mysteries related to this fascinating pigment.
The Vibrant And Mysterious History Of Maya Blue
Blue and purple pigments historically held great value in ancient cultures. The Egyptians created a blue pigment that adorned many of their temples and eventually spread across Europe as well. In the Mediterranean world, meanwhile, a pigment known as Tyrian purple was worth more than gold.
Field MuseumA statue head featuring Maya blue earrings.
But, in some respects, even these pigments pale in comparison to Maya blue.
Although modern researchers only learned of the color in 1931, the ancient Maya used the color extensively. Maya blue was featured prominently on murals and other ancient artifacts, and despite the passage of time it remains as vibrant today as it had been when the Maya first used it, perhaps as early as 600 B.C.E.
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