Madder root dye (alizarin and purpurin), gum (probably gum Arabic) and a hydrous aluminum oxide mordant

madder root dye

The radiocarbon sample was uniquely coated with a plant gum (probably gum Arabic), a hydrous aluminum oxide mordant, and Madder root dye (alizarin and purpurin).
Nothing similar exists on any other part of the Shroud. The photomicrograph shows several fibers from the center of the radiocarbon sample in water. The gum is swelling and slowly detaching from the fibers. Many red alizarin/mordant lakes can be seen, and yellow dye is in solution in the gum. Several cotton fibers are visible, a situation unique to the radiocarbon samples.

For an explanation, see Carbon 14 Testing.
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