Ochre red

Ochre red is a natural red ochre pigment powder made by calcining (roasting) light yellow ochre: the heat turns its yellow iron hydroxide into red iron oxide, hematite. The result is a warm, carrot-red earth that is lightfast (8 of 8 in supplier tests) and lime-proof, used in fresco, oil, egg tempera and watercolor and, with yellow ochre, for flesh tones in icon painting.

Key facts

• Color: warm carrot red with a brownish tinge
• Pigment type: Natural earth pigment (calcined ochre)
• Colour Index: PR102 (C.I. 77491)
• Composition: clay colored by iron(III) oxide (hematite), Fe₂O₃, formed by calcining light ochre
• Also known as: red ochre, burnt ochre, light red
• 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

Mull it into linseed oil, egg yolk, gum arabic or acrylic medium with a palette knife or muller; it disperses easily. Full strength it gives an earthy red; with white it makes warm pinks, and with yellow ochre the warm flesh tones used for highlights in icon faces. For fresco, grind it in water and lay it on fresh lime plaster; it can also tint lime and cement plaster. Red ochre is compatible with all other pigments. Keep the jar closed and dry.

About red ochre

Red ochre is one of the oldest paints known: the Red Lady of Paviland, a Paleolithic burial in Wales dated to about 33,000 years ago, is named for its coating of red ochre. Natural red earths take their color from hematite. Many red ochres, including this one, are made by heating yellow ochre, which converts its iron hydroxide into red iron oxide.

Safety

Natural earths can contain crystalline silica: 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

Is Ochre red a natural pigment?

Yes. It is natural light ochre that has only been heated, so it remains a natural earth pigment (PR102). Synthetic red iron oxides are sold as Mars reds.

How is it different from Ochre terracotta?

Ochre red is calcined ochre colored by hematite, a deeper carrot red. Ochre terracotta is a lighter, softer red-orange ochre that the supplier classes as PY43.