Pigments from Mineral Sources
Pigments from mineral sources have been used for thousands of years. Ancient Egyptians used kaolin to make their bright yellow pigments, while the Greeks and Romans used Egyptian blue and cinnabar, respectively. For centuries, these pigments were created by grinding minerals into a powder, which could then be mixed with oil, eggs, or other binders to make paint or dyes.
Today, pigments from mineral sources are still used in many artistic and decorative applications. The most common applications include cosmetic, architectural, and industrial production. Primarily, the use of our mineral pigments comes in two forms: pigment powders and paint pigments. They are also used in pottery, ceramic and porcelain, and glass-making.
The most commonly used mineral pigments range from earthy tones to bright, vibrant hues. Some of the earthy tones are sienna, umber, ocher, and terra cotta. These pigments are natural earth-based materials derived from rocks, clay, and mud. They are usually the colors of nature – browns, reds, yellows, and tans.
Sienna, umber, and ocher pigments usually come from clay-rich soil which contains iron oxide, manganese oxide, and colored clay particles. These mineral pigments are finely ground and mixed with oil, egg or gum arabic to create paints or dyes. Sienna and umber pigments can be yellowish-brown, orange, or red, while ocher pigments may range from yellow to red.
Cinnabar, or Vermilion, is a very bright red mineral pigment found in many ancient civilizations. It has been used since antiquity and is still used in the production of oil paints and other colorants. Cinnabar has also been used in cosmetics including lipsticks, rouges, and eye shadows. This red colorant gives a characteristic brilliance to pigments used in pottery and glass-making too.
Azurite is a closely related mineral pigment to Malachite and is used in many ways. It is a bright blue-green hue that is typically ground and mixed with oil or egg whites to create dyes and paints. Azurite was used in ancient times for jewelry, statues, and decorations and is still used today in ceramics, pottery, and glass-making.
Pigments from mineral sources have been used for centuries and are still used in a multitude of industries today. They are the colors of nature and can lend a rustic, earthy feel to artwork and decorative applications. Mineral pigments are also long-lasting, providing vivid colors to artworks and home decor.
Conclusion
Pigments and dyes from mineral sources are an important part of many industries. They provide an earthy, rustic feel to artworks and home decor, while their bright, vibrant colors are perfect for cosmetics and glass-making. From ancient times, mineral pigments have been used to create dyes and paints, and these pigments continue to be a valuable asset to many industries.
