Írótinták

Írótinták, commonly translated as writing inks, are colored liquids or viscous fluids used for writing or drawing with a pen, brush, or other instrument. The primary function of ink is to transfer a colored mark onto a surface, typically paper. Historically, inks have been made from a variety of natural materials, including soot, carbon black, plant dyes, and minerals. Modern inks, however, are often composed of synthetic dyes or pigments suspended in a liquid medium.

The composition of writing inks varies greatly depending on their intended use and the type of writing instrument. Fountain pen inks, for example, are typically water-based and designed to flow smoothly through a nib. Ballpoint pen inks are oil-based and more viscous, allowing them to be used with a rolling ball mechanism. Indian ink, a traditional carbon-based ink, is known for its permanence and deep black color. Other types of ink include calligraphy inks, drawing inks, and specialty inks with properties like fluorescence or iridescence.

The color of an ink is determined by the dyes or pigments used in its formulation. Common colors include black, blue, red, green, and purple, but a vast spectrum of colors is available. Beyond color, inks can differ in their properties such as permanence, water resistance, lightfastness, and drying time, all of which are important considerations for writers, artists, and archivists.