The Cyprus Raw Umber Light pigment is a finely ground, coffee-brown powder derived from natural earths colored by iron and manganese oxides. This mineral pigment is ideal for use in various mediums, including tempera, oil, and watercolor. Umber pigments have been known since prehistoric times, with the name "umber" first appearing in the 16th century. The term "raw umber" was not commonly used in English treatises until the 19th century.

Today, umber is associated with brown earths composed primarily of iron and manganese oxides. The color of these pigments varies with the composition of the particular segment of earth from which they come. The combination of iron oxide, secondary coloring ingredients, and a base results in a wide range of possible yellows, reds, and browns. Our Cyprus Raw Umber Light pigment is sourced from the Tamasos area of central Cyprus and has a light reddish-brown masstone with excellent tinting strength and good covering power.

The properties of the particular iron oxide in the earth determine its color. Manganese oxide, for example, enriches the brown in umbers. The clay base of the pigment also affects its color. Umber is a versatile pigment that can be used in various artistic mediums, including fresco, oil, tempera, and watercolors. It is considered permanent with medium to excellent tinting strength and high opacity.

Heating umber causes the hydrated iron oxide to give up water and, with the resulting dehydration, darkens in shade while its tone intensifies. At temperatures exceeding 300° C, yellow and brown pigments acquire red-brown tones. The color change is directly related to the dehydration of goethite and its transformation into hematite.

The pigment's characteristics include a density of 3.3-4.3, hardness of 5.0-5.5, and refractive index of nα=2.260 nβ=2.393 nγ=2.398. It is an inorganic, earth, natural pigment with a brown color. Our Cyprus Raw Umber Light pigment has an ASTM Lightfastness Rating of I in acrylic, oil, and watercolor.

Rublev Colours' Cyprus Raw Umber Light pigment is a high-quality, finely ground powder that is ideal for artists seeking a natural, light reddish-brown pigment with excellent tinting strength and good covering power.