Hematite cold

Hematite cold is a natural mineral pigment powder ground from hematite (iron(III) oxide, Fe₂O₃) in a cool reddish-brown shade. It is lightfast and lime-proof and gives cool red-browns for shadows, earth tones and underpainting in oil, egg tempera, watercolor, gouache, acrylic and fresco.

Key facts

• Color: cool reddish brown
• Pigment type: Natural mineral pigment
• Colour Index: PR102 (C.I. 77491)
• Composition: hematite, iron(III) oxide, Fe₂O₃
• Also known as: haematite
• Opacity: semi-opaque
• Lightfastness: 8 of 8 on the Blue Wool Scale (supplier data)
• Chemical resistance: alkali 5/5, lime 5/5 (supplier data, 5 = best); stable in weak acids, dissolved by strong mineral acids
• Suitable for: oil, acrylic, egg tempera, watercolor, gouache, fresco (lime), lime and cement plaster, ceramics
• Packaging: 50 g jar · 1 kg bag

How to use

Mix the powder into egg yolk, linseed oil, gum arabic or acrylic medium with a palette knife or muller; for fresco, grind it in water and paint into fresh lime plaster. Grind gently and only as fine as you need: finer grinding makes hematite lighter and redder. Its cool brown-red suits shadows, flesh undertones and toned grounds, and it mixes well with ochres, umbers and blacks.

About Hematite cold

Hematite occurs as steel-gray specular crystals, kidney ore and soft, earthy red masses; the earthy and finely crystalline red kinds are the ones ground for pigment. Depending on the variety and grain size, its powder ranges from bluish red to red-brown, and this grade sits at the cool, brown end. Red iron oxide has been used as a paint pigment since ancient times.

Safety

Natural iron oxide minerals can contain crystalline silica (quartz): avoid breathing the dust. Handle dry pigment with care: avoid breathing the dust and contact with eyes. Wear a dust mask (FFP2/N95) and gloves when working with the powder, work in a well-ventilated area and wipe up spills with a damp cloth. Do not eat, drink or smoke while working; wash your hands afterwards. Keep away from children and pets. For artistic and technical use only — not for cosmetics, food or tattoos.

FAQ

What does cold mean in the name?

It describes the shade: a cool, less orange reddish brown, compared with warm red earths such as our Red Novgorod earth.

Is Hematite cold natural?

Yes. It is ground natural hematite (PR102). Our Hematite without a suffix is a synthetic red iron oxide.

Can I use it in fresco?

Yes. The supplier rates its lime and alkali resistance 5 of 5, and iron oxides are classic fresco pigments.