Purple Ocher Vol 4 Oz

Series 3

Armenian Purple Ocher is a natural earth containing clay tinted by iron oxide that gives an exceptionally cool purple red hue. Our Armenian Purple Ocher contains about 13% iron oxide and 49% silica. Purple Ocher is obtained from iron ore deposits near Lori, Armenia.

Purple ocher is a natural earth containing clay tinted by iron oxide and is composed of a naturally calcined form of hematite, and traces of gypsum (calcium sulfate) or calcite (calcium carbonate). Hematite is a mineral composed of iron oxide minerals (α-Fe2O3) that occur as natural earth. Depending upon the content of iron oxide and other minerals, the color of red ocher varies from deep red to brownish red. Red iron oxide minerals, such as hematite, are found around the world and have been used as pigments since prehistory.

Purple ochers are among the most permanent colors among the artist's palette. It is compatible with all other pigments, and can be used with good results in all mediums.

Purple ochers absorb a medium amount of oil (see table bleow), which may slow the drying of oil paint, but because iron oxide is a drier in oil, it dries fast and forms an excellent film.

Purple ochers are not considered toxic, but care should be used in handling the dry powder pigment to avoid inhaling the dust.