Italian Brown Ocher Pigment

Our Italian Brown Ocher is sourced from deposits in northern Italy, a region renowned for its rich iron oxide mineral deposits. This yellow to brown hydrated iron oxide mineral is a common constituent of many forms of iron ore deposits, and its unique characteristics have made it a prized pigment for artists across the globe. Our finely ground brown ocher pigment exhibits a reddish-brown masstone, boasting excellent tinting strength and covering power.

The rich history of goethite, the mineral name for our Italian Brown Ocher, dates back to prehistoric times. Evidence of its use has been found in paint pigment samples taken from the caves of Lascaux, France. In ancient Greece, "ochre" was used to describe natural earth pigments of different yellow hues. This widespread mineral can be found practically everywhere on the earth's surface, often in concretions, oolites, reniform, or botryoidal accumulations.

Iron oxide pigments, like our Italian Brown Ocher, are an essential group of inorganic pigments derived from minerals. They come in a range of colors, including yellow, red, brown, and green, and are known for their distinct variations in color depending on their composition. The color of these pigments is derived from three constituents: the principal coloring ingredient, secondary coloring ingredients, and a base. This combination of ingredients produces the particular color of the earth, resulting in a wide range of possible yellows, reds, browns, and greens.

Our Italian Brown Ocher is a natural iron oxide pigment, with iron oxide as the principal color-producing ingredient. The properties of the particular iron oxide in the earth determine its color. The nature of the iron oxide found in the deposit, rather than its percentage, is critical to the resulting earth color. Our brown ocher has excellent tinting strength and good covering power, making it an ideal choice for artists seeking a rich, earthy tone.

In addition to its excellent artistic properties, our Italian Brown Ocher is also highly lightfast, with an ASTM Lightfastness Rating of I in acrylic, oil, and watercolor. It is also non-toxic and has a low oil absorption ratio, making it compatible with a range of artistic mediums. With its rich history, excellent artistic properties, and versatility, our Italian Brown Ocher is a valuable addition to any artist's palette.