Advances in characterization of colourful residues unearthed in Persepolis West craft zone using microscopic and spectroscopic techniques

•Colourful residues found in Persepolis were deeply investigated for the first time.•Malachite with green earth represent an evidence of a mixture ready to use.•Red and yellow lumps of pigments are related with Fe-deposits located in Fars area.•Evidence of Egyptian blue manufacturing from bronze scarp and diopside trace.•Confirming of local workshops production according to archaeologists’ hypothesis.