pigmenttype

Pigmenttype is a categorical label used in pigment catalogs, databases, and materials research to describe the chemical class and origin of a pigment. It distinguishes pigments not just by color, but by composition and expected performance in applications such as painting, printing, plastics, and cosmetics.

Most commonly, pigmenttype is divided into inorganic pigments and organic pigments. Inorganic pigments include mineral and metal-based pigments (for example oxides and sulfides), often valued for durability and opacity. Organic pigments are carbon-based compounds, typically providing a broader range of hues and sometimes greater color saturation, but with different lightfastness and heat stability characteristics. Within these broad groups, pigments can further be labeled as natural (occurring in nature) or synthetic and, in some catalogs, by subtypes such as pearlescent or metallic.

Pigmenttype conveys practical information about performance: lightfastness, opacity or transparency, tinting strength, heat and solvent resistance, and potential toxicity. It also influences compatibility with binders, mixing behavior, and stability under light exposure. In conservation and archival contexts, pigmenttype helps researchers identify materials and assess risks and restoration approaches.

In catalogs, pigments are usually listed with a pigmentname, a color index or code, and a pigmenttype field. This classification supports search, comparison, and data analysis across suppliers, artists’ materials, and scientific literature.

Examples include inorganic pigments such as titanium dioxide (white), iron oxides (reds, yellows, browns), and synthetic ultramarine; and organic synthetic pigments such as phthalocyanine blues and greens, quinacridone reds, and azo yellows.

Note that pigmenttype is a general classification and some pigments cross categories or may be described with multiple labels depending on the cataloging system.