Armenian Purple Ocher Pigment

Armenian Purple Ocher is a natural earth containing clay tinted by iron oxide, giving an exceptionally cool purple-reddish hue. Our Armenian Purple Ocher contains about 13% iron oxide and 49% silica. Purple Ocher is obtained from iron ore deposits near Lori, Armenia.

Source

Purple ocher is a natural earth containing clay tinted by iron oxide. It is composed of a naturally calcined form of hematite and traces of gypsum (calcium sulfate) or calcite (calcium carbonate). Hematite is a mineral composed of iron oxide minerals (α-Fe₂O₃) that occur as natural earth. Red ocher varies from deep red to brownish red depending upon the content of iron oxide and other minerals. Red iron oxide minerals, such as hematite, are found worldwide and have been used as pigments since prehistory.

Permanence and Compatibility

Purple ocher is among the most permanent colors on the artist's palette. It is compatible with all other pigments and can be used with good results in all mediums.

Oil Absorption and Grinding

Purple ocher absorbs a medium amount of oil (see table below), which may slow the drying of oil paint, but because iron oxide is a drier in oil, it dries fast and forms an excellent film.

Toxicity

Purple ochers are not considered toxic, but care should be taken in handling the dry powder pigment to avoid inhaling the dust.