X-ray fluorescence analysis of 50 pieces of Minoan faience in the Ashmolean Museum has contributed to a more complete understanding of the Minoan faience industry, especially its polychrome innovations and refinements. Almost from the start a wide range of colors was used, many of which were carefully mixed to create naturalistic, pictorial effects. This paper presents a synopsis of the analytical results followed by a discussion of how faience colors from Crete and elsewhere fit into the context of related polychrome work, particularly wall painting and pottery decoration. The paper continues with a consideration of whether specific color compositions in faience and other media were primarily aesthetic or technical in inspiration. Finally, it concludes with an appraisal of the historical development and special characteristics of Minoan faience colors. -- AATA