The gemora states that one test for techeiles is to bake it in a cake of yeast if the colour changes for the better it is fit---what does the gemora mean by better? Untested techeiles is supposed to represent the sea-sky-heavenly throne etc.. and is beautifying the mitzvah but the gemora suggests that it could be better?
eliezer krames, hamilton, ontario, canada
When one subjects a certain coloring to the elements, the color will often change. The Rambam (Hilchos Tzitzis 2:5) explains our Gemara's expression of "Ishtani l'Malyusa" as meaning that if the change strengthens the color of the Techeiles, and it gets darker and more solid in its coloring, then it is true Techeiles. However, this does not mean that the Techeiles is not more beautiful the way it is (not that I am an art maven, but I am sure there is something to be said for a more subtle color as well).
All the best,
Yaakov Montrose