R&K Scabiosa — Iron Gall Ink 50ml

R&K Scabiosa — Iron Gall Ink 50ml

£10.50
£10.50
Skip to product information
R&K Scabiosa — Iron Gall Ink 50ml
  • R&K Scabiosa — Iron Gall Ink 50ml
R&K Scabiosa — Iron Gall Ink 50ml

R&K Scabiosa — Iron Gall Ink 50ml

Rohrer & Klingner Scabiosa is a dusty purple-grey iron gall fountain pen and dip pen ink made in Leipzig, Germany. It is one of the most widely discussed inks in the fountain pen community — an ink that changes colour as it oxidises on the page, deepening from its initial soft purple-grey to a darker, more complex tone over days and weeks.
Ink Type

Iron gall — bonds chemically with paper, waterproof once oxidised
Volume

50ml glass bottle
Waterproof

Moderate when fresh, High once fully oxidized (Water washes will lift the dusty pink surface dye, but leave the permanent iron script behind)
Archival/Lightfast

Yes (Archival standard)
Finish

Matte Dusty Purple / Plum
Additinal Spec

Shading gradient properties that emphasise high-contrast darks and lights across a single pen stroke, giving calligraphy an authentic, antique script style.
Origin

Leipzig, Germany — Rohrer & Klingner
£10.50
£10.50
Taxes included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

No guide assigned.
Shipping

Packaging: 

We know art supplies are fragile. All professional pair and boards are shipped in reinforced rigid flat mailers. No tubes, no folds, no crushed corners. 


Order Processing Times: 

Orders are processed within 1–2 business days - we always aim to dispatch all “in-Stock’ items within 24 hours..

Note: Orders placed after 2 PM GMT on Fridays will be processed the following Monday.

Domestic Shipping (UK):

Standard (2–4 days): £3.50 (Free for The Illustrator & Studio Master tiers).

Priority (1–2 days): £4.50 (Free for Studio Master tier)

International Shipping: 

We ship globally. Costs are calculated at checkout based on weight and destination. Please note that customers are responsible for any local customs duties or taxes.

Order Tracking: 

You will receive a tracking link via email the moment your tools leave our studio. 
Returns

30-Day Change of Mind: 

We offer a 30-day return window (exceeding the UK legal minimum of 14 days). Items must be unused, in original packaging, and in "as-new" condition.

Faulty Goods: 

In the rare event of a defect, you are entitled to a full refund or replacement within 30 days. We will cover all return shipping costs for faulty items.

Defective Nibs: 

Occasionally, a pen may arrive dry or a nib maybe scratchy. Contact us within 7 days of purchase with a photo/video of the issue and we will send a replacement immediately.

Exclusions:

Due to the nature of the product, unless faulty we cannot accept returns on opened markers or used paper pads returned.

Digital Goods: 

The "Birthday Palette" and other digital downloads are non-refundable once accessed.


How to Start a Return: 

Email studio@inkwellartsupplies.com with your order number. We aim to process all refunds to the original payment method within 5–10 business days of receiving the item
The Nib Safety Net

"Gravity Happens. We’ve Got You Covered."

We know the heartbreak of a fountain pen hitting the floor. As a member of our Creative Rewards, you don't have to worry about the 'tines.' If the worst happens, just send us a photo and we'll send you a 50% discount for a fresh start.

"The Nib Safety Net" – Terms & Conditions

  • Eligibility: This benefit is exclusive to active members of the Creative Rewards program at the time of the accident.
  • Coverage: The 50% discount applies strictly to accidental damage (e.g., dropping the pen) that renders the nib unusable. It does not cover intentional damage, loss of the pen, theft, or normal wear and tear.
  • The Claim: To activate your discount, you must provide a clear photo of the damaged nib and your original order number to oops@yourstore.com.
  • Limitations: This discount is valid for a one-time replacement per pen purchased and applies only to the cost of the replacement nib unit. It cannot be combined with other promotional codes or used for full pen replacements.
  • Availability: We will provide the discount for the exact nib model where stock is available. If the model is discontinued, we will offer a 50% discount on a comparable alternative nib unit.

Iron gall — the ink that changes over time


Most inks dry and stay the same colour. Scabiosa does not. Iron gall inks bond chemically with paper fibres as they dry, and then continue to oxidise — the iron in the formulation reacting with oxygen to deepen and shift the tone. Freshly written Scabiosa is a soft dusty purple-grey. After a week it is darker. After a month it has settled into its permanent colour — a complex, warm grey with purple undertones that could not have been predicted from the wet ink. This is not inconsistency. It is the defining property of iron gall, and why manuscripts written in iron gall five hundred years ago are still perfectly legible.

Honest Note:

Iron gall inks are mildly acidic. Flush fountain pens every one to two weeks if not in daily use — do not leave iron gall ink sitting in a pen for extended periods. Not suitable for vintage pens with rubber sac filling systems. Some nib scratchiness is normal with iron gall — the mildly acidic formulation can affect nib tipping material over very long periods; this is not a concern for regular use. The colour change after writing is intentional and is not a quality issue.

Who is it For?

  • Fountain pen enthusiasts who want an ink with genuine character that develops over time
  • Writers and journallers interested in the permanence and history of iron gall
  • Calligraphers working in expressive scripts where the grey-purple tone serves the work
  • Anyone who has seen Scabiosa discussed in pen communities and wants to understand the reputation

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUSTIONS (FAQ)

Is Scabiosa safe in my fountain pen?

Yes, with regular use and periodic flushing. Iron gall inks are mildly acidic — flush your pen every one to two weeks if not writing daily to prevent the formulation from affecting internal parts. In regular daily use, no special precautions are needed beyond normal maintenance.

Why does the colour change after I write with it?

This is iron gall oxidation — the iron in the formulation reacts with oxygen in the air and deepens the tone over days and weeks. The change is intentional and is the reason iron gall manuscripts have survived for centuries. The final colour is more permanent than the initial appearance suggests.

What is Scabiosa named after?

The scabiosa flower — a small purple-grey wildflower. The colour of the ink at its final oxidised state resembles the muted purple-grey of the dried flower.

Works perfectly with....