Preparation and Use
The ink was generally prepared by adding some ferrous sulfate (FeSO4) to a solution of gallotannic acid, but any iron ion donor (e.g. nails, iron metal scraps, etc.) can be used. The gallotannic acid was usually extracted from oak galls (also known as "oak apples"), or galls of other trees; hence the name. Fermentation or hydrolysis of the extract releases gallic acid, which yields a darker black ink.
The fermented extract was combined with the ferrous sulfate. After filtering, the resulting pale-gray solution had a binder added to it, (most commonly gum arabic) and was used to write on paper or vellum. A well-prepared ink would gradually darken to an intense purplish black. The resulting marks would adhere firmly to the vellum or parchment, and (unlike india ink or other formulas) could not be erased by rubbing or washing — only by actually scraping of a thin layer off the writing surface.
Read more about this topic: Iron Gall Ink
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