Pigments, the substances that give colors to paints, inks, and other materials, are made through various methods depending on their type.
- Inorganic pigments are often created through relatively simple chemical reactions, primarily oxidation. They can also be found naturally as earths. Examples include white opaque pigments used for opacity and to lighten other colors.
- Synthetic organic pigments, on the other hand, are derived from coal tars and other petrochemicals. These pigments are often more complex in their chemical composition.
Historically, pigments were primarily extracted from natural sources like clay, earth, and minerals. For instance, umber, ochre, and sienna are all earth pigments.
Today, a wide range of synthetic and natural pigments are available, each with unique properties. Pigments can be ground into fine powders or mixed with binders to create paints, inks, and other colored materials.
