Olive Umber – Greenish‑Brown Earth Oil Paint
Oliver Umber is a greenish‑brown earth oil paint composed of iron and manganese oxides, delivering transparent olive tones and fast drying for atmospheric greens and shadow work.
Olive Umber oil paint contains a natural greenish‑brown earth pigment composed mainly of iron oxide with manganese oxide impurities. In nature, umbers are hydrated iron‑manganese oxides formed by the weathering of iron‑rich rocks. The presence of manganese darkens the hue and promotes faster drying in oil paint. The olive hue of this pigment originates from a deposit in Kotayk Province, Armenia. The pigment’s mean particle size falls between 0 and 29 µm, with most particles under 15 µm, resulting in a finely ground colour that disperses smoothly. Density ranges from 3.3–4.3 g/cm³, and the mineral hardness is about 5 on the Mohs scale. The colour index for umber is Pigment Brown 7 (PBr7).
In paint, Olive Umber is transparent, with a medium tinting strength and a fast drying rate due to its manganese content. The olive undertone is ideal for neutralizing bright mixtures and for creating atmospheric greens and shadow hues. Artists appreciate the natural origin and stability of true umber compared to synthetic iron oxides.
| Olive Umber | |
|---|---|
| Color: | Olive Umber |
| Binder: | Linseed oil |
| Additive(s): | None |
| Pigment Information | |
| Pigment: | Olive Umber |
| Pigment Classification: | Natural inorganic |
| Colour Index: | Pigment Brown 7 (77492) See Note 1 |
| Chemical Name: | Iron oxide & manganese oxide |
| Chemical Formula: | α‑Fe2O3, MnO2 |
| CAS Numbers: | 1309‑37‑1 (Fe2O3), 1313‑13‑9 (MnO2) |
| Properties | |
| Code: | 620 |
| Series: | 3 |
| Opacity: | Transparent |
| Tinting Strength: | Low |
| Drying Rate: | Fast |
| ASTM Lightfastness: | I |
| Permanence: | A – Permanent |
| Safety Information: | No acute or known chronic health hazards are associated with normal use. Because manganese is moderately toxic, avoid inhaling the dry pigment and observe standard studio precautions. Conforms to ASTM D‑4236. |
For a detailed explanation of the terms in the table above, please visit our Composition & Permanence page.
Notes:
- XRD analysis shows that iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) are present as amphibole (edenite) and chlorite (clinochlore), with chlorite dominance rather than discrete Fe/Mn oxides. The chemical ideal formulas provided are from standard mineral references. Individual amphibole/chlorite species typically do not have universal CAS numbers. We classified the pigment as PBr7 to help identify its closest color species. The chemical formulas for Edenite: NaCa₂Mg₅(Si₇Al)O₂₂(OH)₂; and Clinochlore: Mg₅Al(AlSi₃O₁₀)(OH)₈.
- Pigment separation may occur; mix thoroughly before use. Colour swatches and drawdowns illustrate the mass tone and tints with titanium white, but may vary with monitor settings.
| Color names | |
|---|---|
| Common Name | English: olive umber French: ombre olive German: Oliv‑Umbra Italian: ombra verde oliva Portuguese: sombra verde‑oliva Russian: умбра оливковая Spanish: sombra verde oliva |
| SKU | 820-620 |
|---|---|
| Brand | Rublev Colours |
| Vendor | Natural Pigments |
| Processing Time | Usually ships the next business day. |
| Color | Brown, Umber |
| Pigment Type | Inorganic, Earth, Natural |
| Pigment Family / Chemistry | Earth Pigments |
| Pigment Code | PBr7 |
| Particle Size | Fine |
| Drying Rate | Fast |
| Transparency/Opacity | Transparent |
| Lightfastness | ASTM I |
| Chemical Prohibition | No |
Health & Safety: There are no acute or known chronic health hazards with the anticipated use of this product (most chemicals are not thoroughly tested for chronic toxicity). Protect yourself against potentially unknown chronic hazards of this and other chemical products by avoiding ingestion, excessive skin contact, and inhaling spraying mists, sanding dust, and concentrated vapors from heating. Contact us for further information or consult the SDS for more information. Conforms to ASTM D-4236.
