Red ocher
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Description
Any of several naturally occurring red earth pigments. Red ochers contain Hematite (red iron oxide) mixed with clay and vary widely in hue. Ground finely from red earth or clay, red ochers are lightfast, unreactive pigments that have been used since ancient times. They can also be manufactured by calcining Yellow ocher (Goethite).
Synonyms and Related Terms
red ochre (Br.); red earth; earth red; iron oxide red; red iron oxide; Indian red; brun rouge; Roter Ocker (Deut.); minium de fer (Fr.); reddle; Spanish brown; Venetian red, English red; Spanish red; caput mortuum; Indian red; light red; burnt sienna
Chemical and Physical Properties
| Composition | Fe2O3 |
|---|---|
| Mohs Hardness | 5.5 - 6.5 |
| Density | 4.2-5.3 |
| Refractive Index | 2.78; 3.01 |
Additional Information
Record content reviewed by EU-Artech, November 2007.
Sources Checked for Data in Record
- External source or communication Comment: Submitted information: Helen Howard, November 2007
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