Natural Iron Oxide Pigments

Natural Iron Oxide Pigment is formed from one or more ferrous or ferric oxide and many other impurities such as clay, manganese or organics. The most important source of Natural Iron Oxide Pigments is Hematite, which is a oxide of iron having red color. The color of hematite varies from yellow to brown, such as siennas, umbers and ochers. But, these pigments can also be derived from another iron ore, i.e. Magnetite having a black color. The main characteristics of natural iron oxide pigments are: these are light fast, non bleeding, nontoxic and weather resistant.

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Natural Iron Oxide Pigments have various unique properties so these pigments are used for various purposes that include: coloring of concrete block, outdoor paintings and in other construction materials. The maximum mining and procession of natural iron oxide is done in USA. Pigments are used in paints, wood and paper stains, linoleum, oilcloth, mortar, plaster, rubber, brick, and other pigmented materials.

The leading producer countries of these pigments are: India, Cyprus, Iran, France, Italy and Australia.

Country	Yr.2001	Yr.2002	Yr.2003	Yr.2004	Yr.2005
Austria	5,000	5,000	5,000	4,000	4,000
Brazil	2,000	2,000	2,000	2,000	2,000
Cyprus	7,800	8,200	11,900	12,000	12,000
France	1,000	1,000	1,000	1,000	1,000
Germany	400	419	429	400	400
Honduras	70941	719000	71000	71000	71000
India	35500	36000	36500	36000	36000
Italy	1000	2300	2300	2500	2500
Pakistan	500	500	500	500	500
Paraguay	300	300	250	250	250
South Africa	852	252	512	512	555
United States	61500	W	W	W	W

Source: United States Geological Survey Mineral Resources Program

Sources of Natural Iron Oxide Pigments

• Magnetite- Fe₃O₄ (brown to black)
• Goethite- FeOOH.xH₂O (yellow)
• Hematite- Fe₂O₃ (red)
• Lepidocrocite- FeOOH.xH₂O (yellow)