Chromatography is a technique used to separate mixtures into individual components. It works by passing a mixture through a stationary phase that separates out the different molecules. There are several types of chromatography including gas chromatography, paper chromatography, liquid chromatography, and thin-layer chromatography. Chromatography can be used to analyze inks, dyes, plant pigments, and the chemical composition of many substances. It is commonly used in forensic science to analyze things like ink samples and identify unknown substances. The document then provides details on a paper chromatography lab and activity to identify marker pens using chromatography.