X-ray identification of some pigments on the Istra (Yugoslavia) frescoes

The pigments of old wall-paintings in Istrian small chapels and churches originating from the eleventh to sixteenth century have been studied. The chemical composition and the choice of the pigments can give useful information in these studies. X-ray diffraction as well as the light microscopy and chemical spot tests have been used. Various pigments, white, red, brown, yellow, violet and green, from a few frescoes have been analysed and their chemical composition established.