Called a “pre-Columbian nanotechnology,” Maya blue (azul maya) is a unique bright azure pigment famously manufactured by ancient Mesoamericans. Although the method of manufacture was lost in Mexico, the pigment has since been reverse-engineered from extant historical examples. Modern day Maya blue is made by mixing indigo powder with absorbent clay and then heating the mixture to reach the desired shade.

Instructions for how to use Maya Blue Mix

Maya blue is explored in Michel Garcia’s DVDs, Natural Dye Workshop II: Colors of Latin America on Wool Fibers Using Sustainable Methods and Natural Dye Workshop III: Organic Dyes to Pigments: Foundations for the Colors of Europe.