Coloració

Coloració (coloration) is the act or process of imparting color to a material or organism. In Catalan and related languages, coloració refers to coloring or coloration, spanning biological, chemical, and industrial contexts. In biology, coloration can be due to pigments such as melanin, carotenoids, or porphyrins, or to structural coloration from microstructures that interfere with light. The term also covers changes in color due to physiological states or environmental factors (carotenoid-based coloration from diet, melanization after injury, tanning). In ecology, coloration serves functions like camouflage, warning (aposematism), mimicry, or sexual signaling.

In materials science and industry, coloració encompasses dyeing and pigmenting processes that impart color to textiles, plastics, food, cosmetics, and coatings. Dyes are soluble coloring agents; pigments are insoluble particles; both can be synthetic or natural. Coloration processes consider color fastness, hue, saturation, lightness, and interactions with light sources.

Measurement of coloration uses colorimetry and spectrophotometry; common color spaces include RGB for devices and CIE L*a*b* for perceptual uniformity. Lighting conditions (illuminants) and viewing conditions influence perception.

Global considerations include environmental impact of dye production, sustainability, and regulatory frameworks governing safety and labeling.

See also: pigment, dye, pigmentary coloration, structural coloration, color vision, colorimetry.