Purple dye industry

The purple dye industry historically revolves around the extraction of a rare dye called Tyrian purple, made from the secretions of sea snails, particularly the Murex species. In ancient times, this dye was highly prized for its rich color and was associated with royalty and luxury, making it extremely expensive. The labor-intensive process of harvesting the snails and producing the dye limited its availability. Today, synthetic dyes have largely replaced natural ones, but Tyrian purple remains a symbol of wealth and craftsmanship. Its history highlights the intersection of art, trade, and social status throughout human civilization.