SKU: 76975894031

Old Man's Beard (Usnea barbata Lichen) Organic

Sale price$13.37 Regular price$14.85
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Description

Old Man's Beard (Usnea barbata Lichen) OrganicLichens were among the earliest dyes used in Europe, valued by the Anglo Saxons for embroideries and small wool embellishments. They belong to the remarkable group of dyestuffs that can create both warm oranges and the elusive purple shades, depending on the method and pH. Because they do not require mordants, lichen dyes are simple to use, though patience is key when working with the ammonia steeping method. Historical NoteLichens were sometimes used

Lichens were among the earliest dyes used in Europe, valued by the Anglo-Saxons for embroideries and small wool embellishments. They belong to the remarkable group of dyestuffs that can create both warm oranges and the elusive purple shades, depending on the method and pH. Because they do not require mordants, lichen dyes are simple to use, though patience is key when working with the ammonia steeping method.

Historical Note
Lichens were sometimes used as substitutes for Tyrian Purple, the mollusk-derived dye reserved for royalty and the elite. By fermenting lichens in ammonia (traditionally stale urine), dyers could create purples and violets that imitated this prized colour at a fraction of the cost. These processes were especially important in Northern Europe where mollusk purple was unavailable.

Active Coloring Compounds
Lichen acids such as orcein, lecanoric acid, and usnic acid (depending on species).

CI Colour Name
Closest family: CI Natural Red 28 / Natural Violet 2.

Shading Tips

  • Boiling method → peach to deep orange shades

  • Ammonia steep method → red, violet, purple, even blue depending on pH

  • Acidic modifier post-dyeing → shifts fibres redder

  • Alkaline modifier (5% soda ash or potash) → shifts to purple or blue

 

Related Dyes
Other lichens in this category: Oak Moss Lichen and Icelandic Moss.

Source
Wildcrafted from Macedonia.

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SKU: 76975894031

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Jack
Belleville, US
★★★★★ 5
Fly back / duel time zone / under 200 bucks!!!!!
Color: Stainless Steel, Color: Stainless Steel
Incredible people don’t realize Timex is American history. It’s heavy and it’s a flyback chronograph with a dual time., that’s an expensive complication on any other watch. This would be thousands , it’s almost like a fidget toy lol , you have six hands that are working you can dual time on the chronograph as it flies back and have dual time zones for the money. It’s a no-brainer.
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Reviewed in the United States on June 4, 2026
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Giancarlo Fartolino
Dallas, US
★★★★★ 5
Hermoso
Color: Stainless Steel
Muy bello
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Reviewed in the United States on April 23, 2026
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Gary Tompkins
Omaha, US
★★★★★ 5
Like the best military items: does exactly what it's used for:
Color: Black
Even better than the infantry watch I used in the USAF 50 years ago. It has 12/24 hour time and day/date; other models have additional features. It's rugged and easy to read - a real watch face, NOT digital ! ... AND inexpensive too. BTW it has a real watch band made to be used in the elements (e.g. weather, work).
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Reviewed in the United States on January 27, 2026
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William F Marsh
Lowell, US
★★★★★ 5
Great Everyday Watch
Color: Black
Great product and a great price.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 22, 2026
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gen0
Whiting, US
★★★★★ 5
Infantry 5ATM Waterproof Mens Military Tactical Field Watch, Date & Day 12/24Hr-
Color: Silver
So I almost never write reviews- anywhere. This is an exception & I'm not paid or reimbursed- just impressed. This watch presents a really good price to value ratio. My infantry watch looks great and is very functional. I put a NATO strap on it because I tend to be tough with watches, though the one it arrived with is very nice looking and the buckle is even logo'd- a really nice touch in this price segment. I've received several positive compliments while wearing it and 1 of my friends has purchased an Infantry field watch from this same series since. The company behind the watch is part of the value equation. I had a minor issue and I was able to get in touch with a real person... no, actually two! I contacted via Amazon AND through the support dept from their website. Both inquiries were promptly answered with a helpful and well-mannered reply and the perfect solution. There are several collections to be found on their website (SEARCH: Infantry Watches ). These watches range in appointment and quality from levels found here to several steps above. Similar in looks and nature to this one on Amazon include; The Chronomaster, The Skeleton, and The Auto-Pilot to name a few. I've begun to add additional watches to my collection from those. There are also fun and informal collaborations offered. Right now [8-2025] these include; Transformers, Monopoly, Peanuts and several others. ---> Overall it's rare and refreshing to find a company still able to work decent products AND ethics into a successful business model! Gen0
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Reviewed in the United States on August 13, 2025

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