lac dye (colorant)
- Scope note
- A deep red natural colorant made from secretions of the larvae of the lac insect. Lac dye is a byproduct produced during the shellac purification process; its primary colorant is laccaic acid. It was an important dyestuff used since ancient times, giving a lightfast tint to silk and wool, similar in color to dyes obtained from cochineal and kermes. Now synthetic colorants have replaced the use of lac dye.
- Date of creation: 06-May-2024
Accepted term: 06-May-2024