Dye Murex

The Dye Murex is a sea snail that secretes a valuable purple dye, often referred to as “Tyrian Purple” or “Royal Purple”. The Phoenician people discovered how to make this permanent purple dye as early as 1570 BC. It was so expensive and prized that only high-ranking members of society, like senators, noblemen, and royalty, could afford the fabric. The snail lives in the Mediterranean Sea and can reach 9cm (3.5in) in length.

The snail lives in the Mediterranean Sea.