inorganic pigment

Inorganic pigments are intensely colored, insoluble compounds used to color other materials. They are typically made through simple chemical reactions, such as oxidation, or are naturally occurring earths. Inorganic pigments are generally brighter and more durable than organic pigments.

Key inorganic pigments include:
* White pigments: Primarily titanium dioxide, used for opacity and to lighten other colors. Extender pigments like calcium carbonate and calcium sulfate are also used to reduce cost or improve properties.
* Black pigments: Mostly carbon-based, such as carbon black used in printing inks.
* Earth pigments: Iron oxides that produce shades of yellow (ochres), orange-browns (siennas), and browns (umbers).
* Other colors: Compounds of chromium yield yellows, oranges, and greens, while cadmium compounds produce brilliant yellows, oranges, and reds. Iron blue and ultramarine blue are common blue pigments.1

These pigments function by absorbing specific wavelengths of visible light and scattering or transmitting others.2