Pigment

Pigments (Latin pigmentum, "color", "make-up") are understood to be inorganic or organic, colored or achromatic colorants that (in contrast to dyes) are (practically) insoluble in the application medium. They can either absorb light for photosynthesis, or reflect it, which we see as color.

Pigments are often used to create colors because they allow the desired color spectrum to be created. They are used in many areas, such as cosmetics, food, art, textiles, printing inks or the adhesives industry.

Choosing the right pigment depends on various factors such as the type of application, the desired color and the stability to environmental influences. Pigments can be synthetically produced or derived from natural sources. Natural pigments such as ocher or iron oxide are derived from natural minerals and are often less expensive than synthetic pigments.