Mauveine is a synthetic dye that was discovered in 1856 by the chemist William Henry Perkin. It was the first aniline dye, created accidentally while Perkin was attempting to synthesize quinine. Mauveine has a distinctive purple color and quickly became popular in the textile industry, revolutionizing the way fabrics were dyed. The discovery of mauveine marked the beginning of the synthetic dye industry, leading to the development of many other dyes. Its success demonstrated the potential of chemistry in creating vibrant colors, paving the way for modern dyeing techniques and the wide variety of colors available today.