There are biochemical, enzymatic, and photochemical reactions that take place within the process as well as reduction and oxidation processes. It is a difficult process that requires much knowledge of the biological systems at work. Hexaplex trunculus, the banded dye-murex, via inaturalist.nzĪnother factor in the variation of Tyrian purple color is the minor differences in the process of extracting the dye.

A blue dye color known as tekhelet also traditionally comes from this species, and was an important color for dyeing tzitzit (fringes/tassels) on tallits (prayer shawls) used in Jewish religious practice.

The banded dye-murex is found today in the western Mediterranean and was used by Phoenician colonies there to create an indigo-colored dye. Various other similar sea snails are also used, but dye production from them is less common and a more recent development as opposed to the traditional murex dye production which dates back to roughly 4,000 years ago.Įach species generates a mucus from which the dye is extracted, and each species yields a variation in color. The dye is found in the hydrobranchial gland of a number of predatory sea snails such as the spiny dye-murex ( Bolinus brandaris), the banded dye-murex ( Hexaplex trunculus) and the red-mouthed rock shell ( Stramonita haemostoma).

The Biological Source Bolinus brandaris, the spiny dye-murex, via Odyssey Traveller

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