Gall-10rar

The test paper is moistened and applied to the ink. If iron (II) ions are present, the test paper changes color (turns a red/purple complex) due to the indicator bathophenanthroline reacting with the iron.

It identifies the presence of iron (II) ions (ferrous ions). These ions are responsible for iron gall ink corrosion , a destructive process that causes ink to eat through paper (oxidative degradation of cellulose). Gall-10rar

Developed by the Conservation Research Department at the Netherlands Institute for Cultural Heritage (ICN). The test paper is moistened and applied to the ink