Earth and Mineral Pigments

Natural Earth & Mineral Pigments are beautifully archival, eco-friendly, and sustainably-harvested from around the world. They contain no added fillers, additives, preservatives, stabilizers, or heavy metals. 

Use these vibrant colours to add passion to your pieces. Make a beautiful palette of colours. 

Each pigment is available in 85g. and 450g packages. (Please contact us for greater bulk amounts!)

Each natural pigment has a different set of characteristics, such as liquid absorption, volume, tinting strength, and granulation. Because of these characteristics, they each require a different volume of binder to create the desired paint consistency.

    Use our earth pigments to create your own professional watercolours, guache, pastels, tempera, printmaking ink, modelling clay and more!

    SafetyUse care when handling any dry pigment; it’s not healthy to breathe any type of dust into your lungs, even if it is non-toxic and natural (like our pigments). Avoid inhaling pigment dust and use a mask when mixing if needed.

    ColourSince computer monitors, tablets and smartphones may differ in how they display colours, the actual pigment powders we sell may differ slightly from their product image as displayed on your device. We do not guarantee colours based on these images.

    More about our Natural Earth Pigments:

    Venetian Red (Venetian Red MSDS), Color Index #PR102
    After testing many red earth pigments from around the world, we chose this vibrant red from a family- owned quarry in Italy for its luminous, rich red color and mixing quality.

    • Natural Iron Oxide
    • Lightfastness: Excellent / Permanent
    • Particle Size: 50 microns
    • Opacity: Opaque
    • Color Stable to 330 degrees F
    Orange Ochre (Orange Ochre MSDS), Color Index #PY43
    This vibrant and warm natural orange pigment comes from a quarry in France.
    • Natural Iron Oxide
    • Lightfastness: Excellent / Permanent
    • Particle Size: 50 micron
    • Opacity: Opaque
    • Color Stable to 330 degrees F
    Yellow Ochre (Yellow Ochre MSDS), Color Index #PY43 
    This beautiful yellow ochre comes from a quarry in France.
    • Natural Iron Oxide
    • Lightfastness: Excellent / Permanent
    • Particle Size: 50 micron
    • Opacity: Opaque
    • Color Stable to 300 degrees F
    Terre Verte (Terre Verte MSDS), Color Index #PG23
    After testing many green earth pigments from around the world, we chose this rich green from a quarry in France. With yellow undertones, it is more translucent when used alone and becomes a rich, opaque green when mixed with white.
    • Natural Earth Loam
    • Lightfastness: Excellent / Permanent
    • Particle Size: 50 micron
    • Opacity: Semi-Transparent
    • Color Stable to 330 degrees F
    Ultramarine Blue (Ultramarine Blue MSDS), Color Index # PB29
    This radiant blue pigment is our only color that has been fired to get its vibrant color. It is composed of 90% earthen clay and 10% man-made, non-toxic minerals, and it is heated in an oven to a high temperature. The composition of the mineral is Si4O10(OH)2Mg3. Throughout history, blues in nature were very rare and usually made with precious stones like Lapis Lazuli. These stones are now unsustainably harvested in Afghanistan, so we have found this beautiful, non-toxic and sustainably- made alternative from France.
    • Lightfastness: Excellent
    • Particle Size: 50 micron
    • Opacity: Semi-transparent
    • Color Stable to 300 degrees F
    Burnt Umber (Burnt Umber MSDS), Color Index # PBr7
    This rich and beautiful deep brown pigment comes from a quarry in France.
    • Natural Iron Oxide
    • Lightfastness: Excellent / Permanent
    • Particle Size: 50 microns
    • Opacity: Opaque
    • Color Stable to 330 degrees F
    Violet Ochre (Violet Ochre MSDS), Color Index #PR102
    This violet earth hails from the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. It is a beautiful earthy reddish, brownish violet. If you would like a more true color spectrum purple, try our Ultramarine Purple.
    • Natural Iron Oxide
    • Lightfastness: Excellent
    • Opacity: Opaque
    Black Ochre (Black Ocher MSDS), Color Index #PBK11
    This earthy black natural ochre comes from a quarry in France.
    • Natural Iron Oxide
    • Lightfastness: Excellent
    • Particle Size: 50 micron
    • Opacity: Opaque
    •  Color Stable to 300 degrees F
    Titanium White Rutile (Titanium White MSDS), Color Index #PW6
    This is an opaque white pigment with high opacity, perfect for using alone or lightening other colors. Titanium Dioxide, not to be confused with Titanium Metal (Ti), occurs in nature as the well-known mineral, Rutile, found in metamorphic and igneous rocks. Rutile is the second most abundant mineral sand and is processed to extract the pure white mineral that we use in our paint kits.
    • Lightfastness: Excellent
    • Particle Size: 50 microns
    • Opacity: Opaque
    • Color Stable to 330 degrees F

    Note: Titanium Dioxide is toxic to breathe in large amounts because it contains silica (which is abrasive to the lungs), so please wear a mask when mixing this pigment in dry form.

    Natural Mica Gold (Natural Mica Gold MSDS), Color Index #PW-20
    Very fine, non-tarnishing, brilliant gold that adds a lovely sparkle to paintings.Note: If added to white or opaque paint, it will get buried. Because this pigment is so fine, it tends to float and disperse easily into the air; we recommend wearing a Niosh certified mask while mixing.
     
    Natural Mica Silver (Natural Mica Silver MSDS), Color Index #PW-20
    Very fine, non-tarnishing, brilliant silver that adds a lovely sparkle to paintings.Note: If added to white or opaque paint, it will get buried. Because this pigment is so fine, it tends to float and disperse easily into the air, and the Silver Mica contains a small percentage of Titanium Dioxide, which can be harmful if inhaled in large quantities; we recommend wearing a Niosh certified mask while mixing.
     
    Natural Mica Copper (Natural Mica Copper MSDS), Color Index #PW-20
    Very fine, non-tarnishing, brilliant copper that adds a lovely sparkle to paintings.Note: If added to white or opaque paint, it will get buried. Because this pigment is so fine, it tends to float and disperse easily into the air; we recommend wearing a Niosh certified mask while mixing.

    Ultramarine Purple (Ultramarine Purple MSDS), Color Index #PV15
    This pigment is a beautiful and unique bright purple, similar to Dioxazine Purple, that no other combination of pigments can create. Our Ultramarine Purple is a 10% man-made, non-toxic pigment affixed to an earthen clay mineral base and heated at high temperatures - from France.

    • Lightfastness: Excellent
    • Particle Size: 30-50 micron
    • Opacity: Semi-Transparent
    • Color Stable to 300 degrees F
    • Not Lime or Cement Stable
    Burnt Sienna (Burnt Sienna MSDS), Color Index #PR102
    This rich and beautiful reddish-brown pigment comes from a quarry in France.
    • Natural Iron Oxide
    • Lightfastness: Excellent / Permanent
    • Particle Size: 50 micron
    • Opacity: Opaque
    • Color Stable to 330 degrees F
    Raw Sienna (Raw Sienna MSDS), Color Index #PY43
    This light, raw sienna is a beautiful golden color with a slight greenish/yellowish undertone. It comes from a quarry in France.
    • Lightfastness: Excellent / Permanent
    • Particle Size: 50 micron
    • Opacity: Semi-transparent
    • Color Stable to 330 degrees F

    Raw Umber (Raw Umber MSDS), Color Index #PBr7
    This rich, raw brown earth has a cool greenish undertone. It comes from a quarry in France.

    • Lightfastness: Excellent / Permanent
    • Particle Size: 50 microns
    • Opacity: Opaque
    • Color Stable to 330 degrees F
    Brilliant Yellow (Brilliant Yellow MSDS), Color Index #PY53
    This is a primary yellow pigment, similar to Lemon Yellow. It is a 10% man-made pigment affixed on an earthen clay mineral base - from France.
    • Lightfastness: Excellent
    • Particle Size: 50 microns
    • Opacity: Transparent
    • Color Stable to 1100 degrees F
    Emerald Green (Emerald Green MSDS), Color Index #PG17
    This is a rich, opaque, bright green pigment that is UV resistant and has a powerful tinting strength. It is man made from natural elements.
    • Lightfastness: Excellent
    • Particle Size: 50 micron
    • Opacity: Opaque
    • Color Stable to 300 degrees F
    Mayan Red (Mayan Red MSDS), Color Index #PR287
    After years of searching for a completely non-toxic and professional-grade primary red, we chose this vibrant, bright red pigment that is archival and humidity-resistant. It makes beautiful, bright pinks when mixed with white and is semi-transparent on its own. It is composed of a natural calcium carbonate base and a man-made, non-toxic pigment.
    • Lightfastness: Excellent
    • Particle Size: 30-50 micron
    • Opacity: Semi-Transparent
    Note: Our former Mayan Red is no longer available as the Mayan Pigment Co. closed, but this pigment is equally beautiful and more affordable.
     
    French Turquoise (French Turquoise MSDS)
    This is a beautiful and true turquoise shade from France. It is composed of 10% man-made mineral pigment affixed on a natural base (calcium carbonate).
    • Lightfastness & UV Stability: Excellent
    • Particle Size: 50 micron
    • Opacity: Semi-Transparent
    • Color Stable to 330 degrees F

    Caution: Use care when handling any dry pigment. Avoid inhaling pigment dust, and use a mask when mixing.


    Natural earth pigments are derived from minerals and other naturally occurring substances and have been used in art and painting for thousands of years, and their unique characteristics include:

    1. Color variety: Earth pigments are available in a wide range of colors, from warm yellows and reds to cool blues and greens, as well as various shades of brown. They often have a more subdued and earthy quality compared to some synthetic pigments, which can result in a distinct aesthetic appeal.

    2. Lightfastness: Many natural earth pigments have excellent lightfastness, meaning they are resistant to fading when exposed to light over time. This makes them suitable for use in artwork that will be displayed for long periods.

    3. Permanence: Earth pigments tend to be quite stable and chemically inert, which can contribute to the longevity of artwork created with them. They generally do not react with other pigments, binders, or environmental factors, which can be an advantage in terms of preserving the integrity of the artwork.

    4. Texture: Some natural pigments, particularly those derived from clay or minerals, can impart a unique texture to paint, providing a tactile quality that can be appealing to artists. This can also result in a more visually interesting surface on the artwork.

    5. Sustainability: Since earth pigments are derived from natural sources, they can be considered more environmentally friendly and sustainable compared to some synthetic pigments, which may require energy-intensive processes or the use of hazardous chemicals to produce.

    6. Historical significance: Natural earth pigments have been used by artists across different cultures and time periods. As a result, using these pigments can create a connection to artistic traditions and historical practices.

    It is important to note that the specific characteristics of natural earth pigments can vary depending on the source material and preparation methods.

    Earth and Mineral Pigments

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    Natural Earth & Mineral Pigments are beautifully archival, eco-friendly, and sustainably-harvested from around the world. They contain no added fillers, additives, preservatives, stabilizers, or heavy metals. 

    Use these vibrant colours to add passion to your pieces. Make a beautiful palette of colours. 

    Each pigment is available in 85g. and 450g packages. (Please contact us for greater bulk amounts!)

    Each natural pigment has a different set of characteristics, such as liquid absorption, volume, tinting strength, and granulation. Because of these characteristics, they each require a different volume of binder to create the desired paint consistency.

      Use our earth pigments to create your own professional watercolours, guache, pastels, tempera, printmaking ink, modelling clay and more!

      SafetyUse care when handling any dry pigment; it’s not healthy to breathe any type of dust into your lungs, even if it is non-toxic and natural (like our pigments). Avoid inhaling pigment dust and use a mask when mixing if needed.

      ColourSince computer monitors, tablets and smartphones may differ in how they display colours, the actual pigment powders we sell may differ slightly from their product image as displayed on your device. We do not guarantee colours based on these images.

      More about our Natural Earth Pigments:

      Venetian Red (Venetian Red MSDS), Color Index #PR102
      After testing many red earth pigments from around the world, we chose this vibrant red from a family- owned quarry in Italy for its luminous, rich red color and mixing quality.

      • Natural Iron Oxide
      • Lightfastness: Excellent / Permanent
      • Particle Size: 50 microns
      • Opacity: Opaque
      • Color Stable to 330 degrees F
      Orange Ochre (Orange Ochre MSDS), Color Index #PY43
      This vibrant and warm natural orange pigment comes from a quarry in France.
      • Natural Iron Oxide
      • Lightfastness: Excellent / Permanent
      • Particle Size: 50 micron
      • Opacity: Opaque
      • Color Stable to 330 degrees F
      Yellow Ochre (Yellow Ochre MSDS), Color Index #PY43 
      This beautiful yellow ochre comes from a quarry in France.
      • Natural Iron Oxide
      • Lightfastness: Excellent / Permanent
      • Particle Size: 50 micron
      • Opacity: Opaque
      • Color Stable to 300 degrees F
      Terre Verte (Terre Verte MSDS), Color Index #PG23
      After testing many green earth pigments from around the world, we chose this rich green from a quarry in France. With yellow undertones, it is more translucent when used alone and becomes a rich, opaque green when mixed with white.
      • Natural Earth Loam
      • Lightfastness: Excellent / Permanent
      • Particle Size: 50 micron
      • Opacity: Semi-Transparent
      • Color Stable to 330 degrees F
      Ultramarine Blue (Ultramarine Blue MSDS), Color Index # PB29
      This radiant blue pigment is our only color that has been fired to get its vibrant color. It is composed of 90% earthen clay and 10% man-made, non-toxic minerals, and it is heated in an oven to a high temperature. The composition of the mineral is Si4O10(OH)2Mg3. Throughout history, blues in nature were very rare and usually made with precious stones like Lapis Lazuli. These stones are now unsustainably harvested in Afghanistan, so we have found this beautiful, non-toxic and sustainably- made alternative from France.
      • Lightfastness: Excellent
      • Particle Size: 50 micron
      • Opacity: Semi-transparent
      • Color Stable to 300 degrees F
      Burnt Umber (Burnt Umber MSDS), Color Index # PBr7
      This rich and beautiful deep brown pigment comes from a quarry in France.
      • Natural Iron Oxide
      • Lightfastness: Excellent / Permanent
      • Particle Size: 50 microns
      • Opacity: Opaque
      • Color Stable to 330 degrees F
      Violet Ochre (Violet Ochre MSDS), Color Index #PR102
      This violet earth hails from the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. It is a beautiful earthy reddish, brownish violet. If you would like a more true color spectrum purple, try our Ultramarine Purple.
      • Natural Iron Oxide
      • Lightfastness: Excellent
      • Opacity: Opaque
      Black Ochre (Black Ocher MSDS), Color Index #PBK11
      This earthy black natural ochre comes from a quarry in France.
      • Natural Iron Oxide
      • Lightfastness: Excellent
      • Particle Size: 50 micron
      • Opacity: Opaque
      •  Color Stable to 300 degrees F
      Titanium White Rutile (Titanium White MSDS), Color Index #PW6
      This is an opaque white pigment with high opacity, perfect for using alone or lightening other colors. Titanium Dioxide, not to be confused with Titanium Metal (Ti), occurs in nature as the well-known mineral, Rutile, found in metamorphic and igneous rocks. Rutile is the second most abundant mineral sand and is processed to extract the pure white mineral that we use in our paint kits.
      • Lightfastness: Excellent
      • Particle Size: 50 microns
      • Opacity: Opaque
      • Color Stable to 330 degrees F

      Note: Titanium Dioxide is toxic to breathe in large amounts because it contains silica (which is abrasive to the lungs), so please wear a mask when mixing this pigment in dry form.

      Natural Mica Gold (Natural Mica Gold MSDS), Color Index #PW-20
      Very fine, non-tarnishing, brilliant gold that adds a lovely sparkle to paintings.Note: If added to white or opaque paint, it will get buried. Because this pigment is so fine, it tends to float and disperse easily into the air; we recommend wearing a Niosh certified mask while mixing.
       
      Natural Mica Silver (Natural Mica Silver MSDS), Color Index #PW-20
      Very fine, non-tarnishing, brilliant silver that adds a lovely sparkle to paintings.Note: If added to white or opaque paint, it will get buried. Because this pigment is so fine, it tends to float and disperse easily into the air, and the Silver Mica contains a small percentage of Titanium Dioxide, which can be harmful if inhaled in large quantities; we recommend wearing a Niosh certified mask while mixing.
       
      Natural Mica Copper (Natural Mica Copper MSDS), Color Index #PW-20
      Very fine, non-tarnishing, brilliant copper that adds a lovely sparkle to paintings.Note: If added to white or opaque paint, it will get buried. Because this pigment is so fine, it tends to float and disperse easily into the air; we recommend wearing a Niosh certified mask while mixing.

      Ultramarine Purple (Ultramarine Purple MSDS), Color Index #PV15
      This pigment is a beautiful and unique bright purple, similar to Dioxazine Purple, that no other combination of pigments can create. Our Ultramarine Purple is a 10% man-made, non-toxic pigment affixed to an earthen clay mineral base and heated at high temperatures - from France.

      • Lightfastness: Excellent
      • Particle Size: 30-50 micron
      • Opacity: Semi-Transparent
      • Color Stable to 300 degrees F
      • Not Lime or Cement Stable
      Burnt Sienna (Burnt Sienna MSDS), Color Index #PR102
      This rich and beautiful reddish-brown pigment comes from a quarry in France.
      • Natural Iron Oxide
      • Lightfastness: Excellent / Permanent
      • Particle Size: 50 micron
      • Opacity: Opaque
      • Color Stable to 330 degrees F
      Raw Sienna (Raw Sienna MSDS), Color Index #PY43
      This light, raw sienna is a beautiful golden color with a slight greenish/yellowish undertone. It comes from a quarry in France.
      • Lightfastness: Excellent / Permanent
      • Particle Size: 50 micron
      • Opacity: Semi-transparent
      • Color Stable to 330 degrees F

      Raw Umber (Raw Umber MSDS), Color Index #PBr7
      This rich, raw brown earth has a cool greenish undertone. It comes from a quarry in France.

      • Lightfastness: Excellent / Permanent
      • Particle Size: 50 microns
      • Opacity: Opaque
      • Color Stable to 330 degrees F
      Brilliant Yellow (Brilliant Yellow MSDS), Color Index #PY53
      This is a primary yellow pigment, similar to Lemon Yellow. It is a 10% man-made pigment affixed on an earthen clay mineral base - from France.
      • Lightfastness: Excellent
      • Particle Size: 50 microns
      • Opacity: Transparent
      • Color Stable to 1100 degrees F
      Emerald Green (Emerald Green MSDS), Color Index #PG17
      This is a rich, opaque, bright green pigment that is UV resistant and has a powerful tinting strength. It is man made from natural elements.
      • Lightfastness: Excellent
      • Particle Size: 50 micron
      • Opacity: Opaque
      • Color Stable to 300 degrees F
      Mayan Red (Mayan Red MSDS), Color Index #PR287
      After years of searching for a completely non-toxic and professional-grade primary red, we chose this vibrant, bright red pigment that is archival and humidity-resistant. It makes beautiful, bright pinks when mixed with white and is semi-transparent on its own. It is composed of a natural calcium carbonate base and a man-made, non-toxic pigment.
      • Lightfastness: Excellent
      • Particle Size: 30-50 micron
      • Opacity: Semi-Transparent
      Note: Our former Mayan Red is no longer available as the Mayan Pigment Co. closed, but this pigment is equally beautiful and more affordable.
       
      French Turquoise (French Turquoise MSDS)
      This is a beautiful and true turquoise shade from France. It is composed of 10% man-made mineral pigment affixed on a natural base (calcium carbonate).
      • Lightfastness & UV Stability: Excellent
      • Particle Size: 50 micron
      • Opacity: Semi-Transparent
      • Color Stable to 330 degrees F

      Caution: Use care when handling any dry pigment. Avoid inhaling pigment dust, and use a mask when mixing.


      Natural earth pigments are derived from minerals and other naturally occurring substances and have been used in art and painting for thousands of years, and their unique characteristics include:

      1. Color variety: Earth pigments are available in a wide range of colors, from warm yellows and reds to cool blues and greens, as well as various shades of brown. They often have a more subdued and earthy quality compared to some synthetic pigments, which can result in a distinct aesthetic appeal.

      2. Lightfastness: Many natural earth pigments have excellent lightfastness, meaning they are resistant to fading when exposed to light over time. This makes them suitable for use in artwork that will be displayed for long periods.

      3. Permanence: Earth pigments tend to be quite stable and chemically inert, which can contribute to the longevity of artwork created with them. They generally do not react with other pigments, binders, or environmental factors, which can be an advantage in terms of preserving the integrity of the artwork.

      4. Texture: Some natural pigments, particularly those derived from clay or minerals, can impart a unique texture to paint, providing a tactile quality that can be appealing to artists. This can also result in a more visually interesting surface on the artwork.

      5. Sustainability: Since earth pigments are derived from natural sources, they can be considered more environmentally friendly and sustainable compared to some synthetic pigments, which may require energy-intensive processes or the use of hazardous chemicals to produce.

      6. Historical significance: Natural earth pigments have been used by artists across different cultures and time periods. As a result, using these pigments can create a connection to artistic traditions and historical practices.

      It is important to note that the specific characteristics of natural earth pigments can vary depending on the source material and preparation methods.

      Customer Reviews

      Based on 32 reviews
      97%
      (31)
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      P
      Penny Bateman

      I love the final texture and appearance of the paints.

      C
      Candice Asplind
      Black ochre pigment

      Used this pigment to tint and paint concrete countertops. Was happy with the results though probably should have used a higher concentration to achieve more colour.

      F
      Faith

      Lovely, shimmering gold that blends seamlessly with the natural acrylic medium.

      F
      Faith

      Beautiful, lush pigment that blends beautifully when mixed with the natural acrylic medium. A little grainy, but after mulling it smoothed out.

      C
      Customer
      Happy first impressions!

      I just started to experiement with earth pigments and the acrylic medium. Loving the results of the different earthy colour results once mixing colours.