Moreover, it seems hardly reasonable that the Minoan record would be completely lacking in any references to the production of pigments. Nevertheless, while the apparent lack of shell evidence at Knossos may compel a dismissal of the epigraphic evidence, it is important to consider the secondary uses of shell refuse, particularly as shell lime in the production of the durable frescos of Knossos. Evidence for purple can be found not only in the attested po-pu-reuman ingenuity has even learned to mingle with the productions of the earth.” The formulas for these associated dyes and pigments are primarily evident in the Ge series at Mycenae.

I propose, instead, that ko-ri-ja-do-no is a ‘convoluted’ reference to κρῑηδόν (krīêdon) as it pertains, generally, to shellfish and, particularly, to the elusive Mycenaean production of Tyrian purple and associated dyes. Due to this poor phonetic approximation, a fresh proposal is overdue. Finally, a survey of the principal current applications of the individual dioxazine pigments is presented.In 1956, Ventris and Chadwick proposed that coriander may be derived from ko-ri-ja¬-do-no (koria(n)dnon), thought to be employed in the production of unguents. The synthesis and manufacturing route to CI Pigment Violet 23 is described in the review. Two other dioxazine pigments are of rather lesser importance. The pigment has a polycyclic molecular structure, originally described wrongly as a linear arrangement, and later shown to adopt an S-shaped arrangement on the basis of X-ray structural analysis. Dioxazine Violet is also unique as the dominant industrial violet pigment providing a brilliant, intense violet color and an excellent all-round set of fastness properties.

CI Pigment Violet 23, also referred to as Dioxazine Violet or Carbazole Violet, is one of the most universally used organic pigments, by far the most important industrial pigment in the violet shade area.

The natural colorant Tyrian purple and the first synthetic textile dye, Mauveine, are prime examples of this unique historical feature. The color violet (or purple) has frequently assumed a prominent position in history, on account of its rarity and cost. This chapter provides an overview of the structural and synthetic chemistry, and the industrial applications, of dioxazine pigments, a small group of high performance organic pigments.

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