kermesin
Kermesin is a natural red dye derived from the kermes scale insect (*Kermes vermilio*), a small parasitic arthropod that infests various species of oak trees, particularly those in the genus *Quercus*. Historically, this dye has been used for centuries, particularly in the Mediterranean region, where it was prized for its vibrant crimson color and durability. The kermes scale produces a bright red pigment, known as kermesic acid, which is extracted through a process involving boiling the insects in water and then treating the resulting liquid with an alkaline substance, such as potash or lime.
Kermesin was widely employed in the textile industry, particularly in the production of luxury fabrics and
The use of kermesin declined significantly with the discovery of synthetic alternatives in the 19th century,