Rhubarb as a mordant?

[ScottCross]

I was chatting on the Irish Living History website, and someone suggest using rhubarb as a mordant in dyes. I've never read this in any of the 19th century books that I've seen, has anyone else heard of this?
Yes, I did a search here and nothing showed up.

[Spinster]

Re: Rhubarb as a mordant?

Oxalic acid in the rhubarb, whether root or leaves, is the mordant source here.

My only experience with it came through a workshop with Jim Liles, a noted 18th century dye researcher. I cannot remember if Dr. Liles book on the subject also included this information, and am away fro
my library. His Art and Craft of Natural Dye contains a huge number of historic references, but individual items are difficult to trace to source material.

[OldKingCrow]

Re: Rhubarb as a mordant?

Oxalic acid in the rhubarb, whether root or leaves, is the mordant source here.

Interesting.

Oxalates / Oxalic Acid act and bind exceptionally well. It is this action when combined with calcium, which is the leading contributor and type of kidney stone. These stones are historically most prevalent in the Southern male demographic and attributed, in part, to water with high clacium content and the traditional diet, leafy greens, tea, legumes..... all high in oxalic acid.


Chris Rideout
Tampa, Florida