The History and Significance of Croceic, a Yellow Dye Derived from Madder

Croceic is a term that was used in the past to describe a type of yellow dye that was derived from the madder plant (Rubia tinctorum). The word "croceic" comes from the Latin word "crocus," which means "saffron," and was used to refer to the yellow color produced by the madder plant.

Madder is a plant that has been used for centuries as a source of red and yellow dyes. The roots of the plant contain a compound called alizarin, which can be converted into a range of colors depending on the method of preparation and the mordant used. In addition to croceic, other names for madder-based dyes include "madder," "Rubia," and "saffron."

Croceic was particularly valued in the textile industry because it was a relatively cheap and abundant source of yellow dye compared to other types of dyes, such as saffron. However, the use of croceic has largely been replaced by synthetic dyes in modern times.