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Sylvia Rose

Natural Iron Oxide Pigments: Extraction, Types & Colors

Iron oxides create beautiful pigments in colors from warm yellow and orange to deep reds, brown, black and even green. Besides industry these pigments are used in paints, cosmetics and foods. Here's how to extract beautiful colors from iron oxides.



some of the colors of iron oxide pigments
some of the colors of iron oxide pigments

Iron oxides produce versatile and vibrant colors beloved for millennia by artists and later industries. From the rich reds of rust to the earthy browns and yellows, non-toxic iron oxides are happy to release their natural hues.


As naturally occurring minerals, iron oxides can be found as hematite, magnetite, goethite and others. The maker collects the minerals and refines them for pure colorants. This is a bit of a grind. It can be done with mortar and pestle or a grinding stone. Read on.



this crumbly clay will release deep reds
this crumbly clay will release deep golden reds

Iron oxides are inorganic compounds composed of iron and oxygen. They're the most abundant minerals in the environment, in earth, natural red clay or earthy hematite stone. The primary types of iron oxides used as pigments include:


  1. Ferric Oxide (Fe2O3) Red Iron Oxide: Known commonly as rust, ferric oxide is a vibrant red pigment. It can be used in paints, coatings, and even as a colorant in concrete.

  2. Magnetite (Fe3O4) Black Iron Oxide: This type, often referred to as black iron oxide, produces a deep black color. It's used in pigments, inks, and as a magnet due to its magnetic properties.

  3. Ferrous Oxide (FeO) Green Iron Oxide: Less commonly used, ferrous oxide has a dark green hue and specialized applications. It requires chemical preparation.

  4. Hematite (α-Fe2O3) Red Iron Oxide: This naturally occurring mineral presents a darker red hue and is often used in jewelry and decorative arts.

  5. Goethite (α-FeO(OH)) Yellow Iron Oxide: An earthy yellow-brown pigment that is frequently used in natural paints and as a soil colorant.



A brilliant manifestation of goethite from Michigan
A stunning manifestation of goethite from Michigan

The Beautiful Palette of Iron Oxides


Iron oxides offer an impressive range of colors that can be harnessed for various artistic and industrial purposes:


  • Red Shades: Ferric oxide, the most prevalent of the iron oxides, produces vibrant shades of red, making it ideal for artists seeking to add warmth to their palettes. Its historical use in cave paintings underscores its timeless appeal.

  • Brown Shades: Brown pigments can be crafted from both hematite and goethite and are widely used in oil paints, clay bodies, and glazes. They provide a natural earthy feel reminiscent of landscapes and organic materials.

  • Yellow Shades: Iron oxides can also create soft yellow hues when oxidized. These shades are less intense but offer a lovely, sunlit quality, perfect for landscapes and floral works.

  • Black Shades: The dramatic depth of black iron oxide makes it a favorite in any artist’s toolbox. Its unique properties not only contribute to visual aesthetics but also offer excellent coverage and permanence.



Magnetite black (aka Mars Black)
Magnetite black (aka Mars Black - Mars is a term for iron in antiquity)

Extracting Colors from Iron Oxides


1. Sourcing the Raw Material

Iron oxides are found in various natural sources. Soils, rocks, clay and old rusty things are sources of iron oxide.


2. Crushing and Grinding

Once material is sources, the next step is to finely crush and grind it into a powder. This increases surface area and makes extraction easier. Mortars and pestles or (small) grinding stones work well for this step.



Byzantine oil press
Byzantine industrial olive oil presses

3. Leaching and Separation

Mix your powdered iron oxide with water and stir to create a slurry. Through leaching, heavier particles settle at the bottom, leaving you with cleaner iron oxide at the top. Decant the water carefully to separate the pigment.


4. Drying

The resulting iron oxide can be collected (scraped off as residue) and then dried in a warm area. It’s essential to prepare your pigment thoroughly, as the moisture can affect its use.


5. Grinding to Desired Consistency

For best results, grind your dried pigment to achieve a fine texture, which can then be mixed with binders, oils, or other mediums to create paint or colorants.



Red & Yellow iron oxide pigments
Red & Yellow iron oxide pigments

The palette is diverse, offering a broad range of colors beyond the traditional. Colors can be blended to create custom shades, providing endless possibilities for artistic expression and innovation.



Non-Fiction Books:


Fiction Books:

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