The Hidden Light of Indigo

One of the most wonderful phenomena in Mother Nature is natural luminescence. Whether it is bioluminescence or photoluminescence, light emission in nature occurs through several distinct physical and biochemical mechanisms. Now, what if we told you that a similar fascinating magic is observed in the natural Indigo hue!

A Discovery at the Intersection of Science, Tradition, and Craft -

The Head of Research & Development at 11.11/ eleven eleven, Adheep AK, shares a powerful, practical tool for dyers and researchers working with traditional Indigo vats worldwide.

Indigo never ceases to amaze and awe us with its limitless possibilities. The fluorescent property of Indigo, meaning it can glow under UV light, introduces a whole new dimension to this plant-based dye. The UV light can be used as a tool to:

• Determine the Indigo reduction in a vat.

• See where the fabric has or has not been oxidized after dyeing.

This technique can accelerate the process of understanding the health of a vat, which traditionally takes years of experience and discipline to achieve.

Indigo exists in two stages: its oxidized (blue) form and the reduced (yellow-green) form, the leuco Indigo stage, where the fluorescent phenomenon is visible. It is most visible under black UV light, but it is also in sunlight during the extraction of Indigo pigment from the plant, as during extraction, the leuco Indigo form is very pure and free from light rays. 

Deepening our understanding and breaking it down to a molecular level, 11.11/ eleven eleven discovers that natural Indigo is far more than just a blue pigment. It is a living system that represents tradition, craftsmanship, cultural identity, sustainable practice, and even a history of healing properties. It is an alchemy, an art and a whole new science!

Also Read:-

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Explore Our Collection: Indigo Reserve Men | Indigo Reserve Women