Blue Ridge Raw Umber Pigment

Our Blue Ridge Raw Umber pigment is a premium, finely ground powder extracted from natural earths in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, USA. This exceptional pigment is composed of iron and manganese oxides, which provide its distinctive yellow-brown to greenish-brown hue. With its excellent tinting strength and high covering power, this pigment is perfect for artists working in tempera, oil, and watercolor.

Umber pigments have a rich history dating back to prehistoric times, with the name "umber" first appearing in the 16th century. The term is derived from the Italian word "ombra," meaning "shadow," as this pigment was often used to create dark or shadowy areas in artwork. Over time, the name "umber" became associated with brown earths composed primarily of iron and manganese oxides.

Our Blue Ridge Raw Umber pigment is characterized by its unique properties, including its ability to change color when heated. When calcined at high temperatures, the hydrated iron oxide in the pigment dehydrates, resulting in a darker, more intense shade. The pigment's color can also be affected by the presence of secondary coloring ingredients like calcite, pyrolusite, and quartz.

As a natural iron oxide pigment, our Blue Ridge Raw Umber has excellent lightfastness and is suitable for use in a variety of artistic mediums. It is non-reactive with other pigments and can be used in fresco, oil, tempera, and watercolors. With a high opacity and medium to excellent tinting strength, this pigment is ideal for creating rich, vibrant hues.

When grinding our Blue Ridge Raw Umber pigment in oil, it absorbs a moderately high amount of oil, requiring 45-55 parts by weight of linseed oil to 100 parts by weight of pigment. The resulting paste forms a stiff, flexible film with excellent drying properties.

As with any pigment, care should be exercised when handling the dry powder to avoid inhaling the dust. While considered non-toxic, manganese, a constituent of umber, is moderately toxic and should be handled with caution.

Experience the exceptional quality and versatility of our Blue Ridge Raw Umber pigment, perfect for artists seeking to create rich, nuanced hues in their work. With its excellent lightfastness, high covering power, and ease of use, this pigment is a valuable addition to any art supply collection.