Colors. Most modern paints are synthetic, invented in the technical era (after the eighteenth century). But how did the ancient artists create? How many colors were in their palette? The famous painter Titian said that it is enough for a real artist to have three colors: white, black and red. The rest of the gamut of shades is achieved by mixing these primary colors. As you can see, Titian himself could not do without red. What did the ancient painters use to depict purple, pink, scarlet, burgundy? Natural dyes that have the color of blood, and in ancient era there were a lot. But the most ancient of them is red ocher. What kind of mineral is this and how a persistent pigment is extracted from it, read in this article.
What is ocher
The very name of this mineral is Greek. But this does not mean at all that ocher was invented or first used in Ancient Hellas. No, mineral paint is found even on the most ancient rock paintings. Ocher, as they say, was under people's feet, and no technology was needed to use it as a dye. Picked up a pebble and draw. This natural mineral consists of iron oxide hydrate. BUT Greek word"ochros" means pale yellow.
How so? Where does red ocher come from? The color of the natural mineral is really yellow. Depending on the clay, which is naturally mixed with iron oxide hydrate, it varies from light beige to brownish. Yellow ocher is found in abundance in every part of the world. Therefore, it became the first paint used by ancient Paleolithic artists.
What is red ocher
The color of blood and life has always been attractive to people. The artists wanted to depict a wounded beast in order to ensure a happy outcome of the hunt by sympathetic magic. But where to get the mineral suitable color? In areas with active volcanic activity, anhydrous iron oxide is found. Unlike the yellow hydrate, when mixed with clay, it gives a warm shade of red.
The technology for obtaining the dye, as we can see, is quite simple. In places where there are no volcanic rocks, it is enough to simply burn the yellow ocher. The water from the mineral will evaporate and it will change color to red. A simple and inexpensive technology has led to the fact that red ocher is still widely used for the production of oil, glue and other paints, as well as in the manufacture of printed chintz. The harmlessness of the mineral should also be mentioned. Compared with minium and cinnabar, which also give red color, ocher does not do any harm to the human body. Members living in Namibia coat their hair and whole body with this mineral. Ocher thus protects them from sunburn and overheating.
How red ocher was made in ancient Egypt
It must be said that "color" and "essence" in this civilization were denoted by one hieroglyph. The Egyptians sought to get a deep, rich shade to exalt the gods. Ocher gives warm, inexpressive tones. In search of saturation and depth of color, the Egyptians pioneered the first synthetic dye. True, it was blue. The pigment was invented in the third millennium BC. First, glass was blown out of sand mixed with copper. Then it was carefully ground into powder.
The Egyptians also tried to get a bright shade of red. And cinnabar became such a dye. The mineral was rubbed and thoroughly washed. But ocher (yellow and red) was not forgotten either. It was used to give the image natural shades. The red color for the Egyptians had a double meaning. On the one hand, he symbolized the blood of Osiris. Ocher and cinnabar covered the clothes of the Mother of the World, Isis. But dangerous demons were also depicted in red, as well as the serpent Apep threatening all living things. But in the Old Kingdom, it was customary to paint the bodies of men with burnt ocher. It symbolized their vitality.
shades of ocher
This pigment is still widely used due to the richness of the palette. After all, you can experiment with the degree of heating of yellow ocher, getting orange tones. The main admixture to anhydrous iron oxide - clay - also contributes to the final color. Because of it, it can be dark red ocher or light, almost pink. Between them there are many more shades. The lightest ocher is Venetian red. This is a warm tone. Despite the fact that red, by definition, cannot be cold, ocher gives such a shade. It is very dark, almost brown. This color is called Indian or English ocher.
Looking for red
We have already mentioned cinnabar. This is a very powerful, bright and deep paint. Red ocher looks rather dull in comparison. Cinnabar was obtained from processed iron ore. But bright red is not always appropriate in painting.
Another competitor of ocher was minium. It's lead oxide. Minium gave a rich red color, but it is dangerous to health. No less harmful is vermilion. This paint was invented in China three thousand years ago. It was made by heating sulfur and mercury.
But the most expensive red was the Tyrian purple. It was extracted from two types of molluscs. One snail gave only two grams of dye. Therefore, the clothes of the emperor of the Roman Empire were covered with Tyrian purple, and the senators were entitled to only one stripe of paint on the toga.
The use of mineral pigment in painting
According to Pliny, in the ancient world, the main place from which red ocher was supplied was Pontus Yuksinus in Sinope. Although it loses cinnabar in the depth and brightness of color, it has one feature. The pigment mixes well with various other dyes, thus forming a huge range of color shades. Ocher absorbs oil and is very opaque. Artists in the Middle Ages and later used it to paint frescoes. It was used in oil paintings and drawings. widely used ocher of different shades in his painting.
Ocher is a whimsical hue that we encounter in Everyday life often enough. But, unfortunately, not everyone knows what secrets this name carries. In fact, this color acts as a natural pigment element present in virtually any warm tint solution. Ocher is a natural pigment, which was formed during the mixing of iron and clay. It is from these elements that the degree of severity of the shade depends. Iron gives a red tint, while clay gives a winning yellow tint. Such a pigment was first used in ancient times to create special patterns.
Combination of several friendly shades
Dark colors bring comfort to the kitchen
Color Features
In nature, there are three tint combinations of this pigment -, golden,. Red ocher is formed by roasting a yellow substance, which is subsequently endowed with a sufficient amount of iron. As for the pure appearance and form, in order to obtain such a pigment, it must be cleaned, soaked, calcined and ground to prevent quality deterioration. If these measures are not taken, then the coloring of surface structures will be uneven.
The degree of influence of tone on a person
Ocher is a tone of a strict, restrained type, evoking associations with autumn foliage. This color is reminiscent of a wet autumn park after a long rain in October, so there is a certain amount of depressiveness in this color. On the other hand, if applied appropriately and rationally, this shade can relieve tension and relax.
To achieve the desired result, it is best to use combinations and harmonious ones. One has only to imagine the autumn palette of the flattering space, as ideas for decorating the room will visit you immediately. What is there just not there: all colors with all shades of ocher will create an incredibly interesting ensemble that can win hearts and make life brighter.
Benefits of using
Artists and interior designers appreciate this color for its originality and eccentricity, therefore, applying it in accordance with the principle of dosage, you can achieve an excellent result. In addition, the rational use of tone within the interior space will make the solution more harmonious and restrained, endowing it with the best features. And here are the advantages for which this color fell in love with contemporaries:
- Versatility. The tone goes well with other shades. , , , sand, category pastel colors- all this will be in perfect harmony with the solution in question.
- Wide scope. Want to luxurious baroque style in your kitchen or bathroom? Or maybe you want to arrange a room in the direction, or? Or do you prefer the classics at its best? Whatever you choose, you will like this solution, and a little ocher in it will warm you in cloudy weather.
A role model can be a living room in neoclassical style decorated in autumn palette
- Favorable effect on the psyche. Having issued in these shades or, hallway or, you will be able to maintain the ability to concentrate and, when necessary, to relax.
- Lots of solutions. This color can be made background pictures and Finishing work as well as individual parts and accessories. In any situation, the style will be as bright and sophisticated as possible.
Combination of dark yellow and purple flowers– unconventional, eye-pleasing interior solution
A rational combination of color pictures is a guarantee of successful solving problems with.
What colors go with it?
Ocher color is an interesting option for yours, and this is also due to its compatibility with various color schemes.
- Ocher + white. Thanks to this combination, you can get a truly festive solution that fits perfectly into the interior space of any room.
- Ocher + chocolate. Dilute this amazing tone with dark or milk chocolate and you will see a classic combination in balance.
- Ocher + + brick. This is another classic combination that epitomizes luxury and simplicity.
- Ocher + purple. This solution is distinguished by originality and modernity, both colors are active and suitable for decoration in a fashionable style.
- Ocher + Bordeaux. Do you want a little fairy tale and attention to your person from the guests? Feel free to experiment and use just such a combination.
(Greek ochra, from ochros - yellow). 1) the general name for the combination of clay with aqueous iron oxide. 2) a mineral consisting of flint, alum, iron oxide and sometimes lime: goes to yellow paints. 3) the most paint.
Dictionary foreign words, included in the Russian language. - Chudinov A.N., 1910 .
Greek ochra, from ochros, yellow. General name for compounds of clay with hydrous iron oxide.
Explanation of 25,000 foreign words that have come into use in the Russian language, with the meaning of their roots. - Mikhelson A.D., 1865 .
the general name of the compounds of clay, lime, flint with aqueous iron oxide; yellow paints; ocher is found in nature in its natural form and can be prepared artificially: there is ocher and red.
A complete dictionary of foreign words that have come into use in the Russian language. - Popov M., 1907 .
Ocher
(gr. ochros pale, yellowish) natural mineral paints different shades of yellow color, which are clays highly enriched (up to 15-20% or more) in hydrates of iron oxides - limonite, eethite, etc.; important mineral dye.
New dictionary foreign words.- by EdwART,, 2009 .
ocher, pl. no, w. [Greek ochra]. Mineral paint yellow or red.
Big Dictionary foreign words.- Publishing house "IDDK", 2007 .
Ocher s, pl. No, and. (Polish ochra Greekōchros pale, yellowish).
Mineral paint of yellow or reddish color.
Ocher, ocher, ocher- yellowish red.
ocher -
1)
chem. with an admixture of ocher;
2)
ocher colors.
Explanatory Dictionary of Foreign Words L. P. Krysina.- M: Russian language, 1998 .
Synonyms:
See what "OHRA" is in other dictionaries:
Chernyad, litharge, hematite, sinopia, terra sienna, limonite Dictionary of Russian synonyms. ocher n., number of synonyms: 13 almagra (1) ... Synonym dictionary
Natural yellow pigment. The main components are iron hydroxides and clay. Due to its low cost, it is widely used for the preparation of paints, fillers and primers ... Big Encyclopedic Dictionary Technical Translator's Handbook
Ocher- - natural iron oxide pigment of yellow color of various shades, which is clay minerals, colored with hydrated iron oxides. [GOST 19487 74] Term heading: Pigments Encyclopedia headings: Abrasive ... ... Encyclopedia of terms, definitions and explanations of building materials
Ocher is a pigment of natural origin, which consists of clay minerals colored with hydrated iron oxides. Ocher It is widely used in the production of paints and varnishes used in interior and exterior finishing.
- Purpose, brands and properties of ocher.
- Ocher production.
- Use in construction.
Ocher grades:
Ocher is produced in the following grades depending on the purpose:
◊ Grade 0-1 is a yellow pigment used for the production of art paints.
◊ Grade 0-2 is a yellow pigment used to make ready-to-use enamels and paints.
◊ Grade 0-3 is used for the production of thick paints. Pigments of this brand have colors from yellow to light Brown color.
◊ Grade 0-4 are pigments of various colors and shades from yellow to light brown. It is used in construction for the production of adhesive and silicate types of paints and is also added to white cement to produce colored and decorative plasters.
Natural ocher has many tones in color, from very light (golden ocher) to almost brown. Ochre is a very durable pigment, alkali-resistant, light-resistant and cheap to produce. In terms of hiding power, ocher has the following grades: 0-1-65 g / m2., 0-2 -85 g / m2., 0-3 -115 g / m2.
Ocher properties
Ocher pigment
Ochre, like all natural pigments, is polydisperse and has good weather resistance; when exposed to light, it does not break down, but is not resistant to various corrosion processes. The particle size of the powder fractions is about 1 - 3 microns. Ocher under the influence of high temperature - loses its properties. The pigment is resistant to the aggressive effects of many chemicals, for example, weak solutions acids, alkalis.
The hiding power is about 60 - 115 g / m 2, determined by the content of hydrated ferric oxides in the composition. The more it is in the composition, the higher the hiding power of the pigment. When applied in a thin layer - translucent, in this regard, it can be used as a glazing pigment. Pigment ocher is combined with all types of film-forming agents. Ocher pH - 7 - 8. Oil absorption (depending on the type and component composition) - from 25 to 40 g / 100g.
Ocher, as the pigment does not have a high hiding power, it needs a small amount of white during dilution. Ocher is used in construction for the preparation of various paint compositions that can be used to paint wooden and metal surfaces.
Ocher-based painting compositions can be used for interior decoration and for exterior work on painting building structures and products, as well as house facades. Painting compositions using ocher can be carried out on metal, wooden and concrete prepared surfaces, and can also be used to paint floors.
Ocher mining and its purpose
For the extraction of ocher in quarries and mines, raw clay is mined, consisting of 80-90% of flint sand. The extracted raw mass is washed in several stages, and then subjected to drying in order to separate ocher particles from the main mass. In order to obtain a red ocher pigment, the entire mass is exposed to high temperatures, within 800-900 °C. Then, after cooling the mass, the resulting ocher is crushed to a particle size of 50 microns, then the pigment is classified by color and quality and packed in a container.
Ocher of the required colors and shades is obtained by mixing several obtained types of ocher from different ores. Ocher as a natural pigment is widely used in the construction industry to give color to various concretes and mortars. In the agricultural industry, ocher is used as a component for fertilizers. Ochre is not a toxic pigment, so it is part of various kinds cosmetics and artistic oil paints.
An important role is played by the pigment in the painting of clay and ceramic dishes, as well as in the production of paints and varnishes for the facades of houses. Various factors affect the quality of the pigment, such as, for example, the composition of the raw material, the presence of iron oxide, terrain conditions, the presence of coloring elements in the composition of ocher, and others. . The natural pigment ocher contains limonite, which is a hydrated iron oxide. In it, iron interacts freely with water.
Therefore, the substance goethite (partially hydrated iron oxide FeOOH) and hydrogoethite (FeOOH n H 2 O) give the pigment a brown tint. If the soil is very dry in places where the raw mass is extracted, natural ocher will have a red tint. This color is given to it by anhydrous iron oxide, also called hematite.
Violet ocher is close in its chemical properties to red, but its color is determined by the diffraction of light caused by the large average particle size of the substance. If, under the influence of temperature, a natural mineral is heated, it becomes denser and thicker. In this process, goethite and limonite are dehydrated and converted to hematite, and brown or yellow ocher becomes red.
Ochers are highly resistant to light and various atmospheric factors. They are also resistant to weak acids and alkalis. When heated above 230°C, the hydroxides lose their water of crystallization and turn into hematite. They change color accordingly from yellow to red or brown-red. This phenomenon is based on the production of burnt varieties of ocher. Burnt ocher (cherlyad) resembles a mummy in color. Obtained by calcining ocher. It is applied in water painting structures on wood and plaster.
Another pigment of natural origin, which, like ocher, has the same characteristics is called natural sienna. This pigment, like ocher, is obtained by processing clay, has a yellow color but contains more iron oxides and amorphous silica. The pigment is cheap to produce, resistant to alkalis and lime. Used widely in all kinds of paint formulations. When diluted with natural oil, used for decorative finishes wooden surfaces of the interiors of houses.
Ocher color is very common in nature, in its pure form or mixed with others. It is found in virtually every one of the colors of the warm palette. This color was one of the first to be used by ancient people for their own drawings. And this is logical. After all, the color of ocher consists of a completely natural pigment. In composition, it is a mixture of clay and iron oxide hydrate. Depending on the amount of iron contained in the pigment, it depends on how reddish it will be in the end. Clay assigns an ash-yellow color scheme. The more it is, the lighter and "neutral" the color will be. Like most others, it has several varieties. For example, yellowish and golden ocher, reddish ocher, etc. Very often, the latter is obtained by firing the most common - yellowish.
Ocher color. Main properties
Due to its natural origin, this color is used in its pure form as a dye. If ocher contains impurities of crystalline silicic acid, sand or quartz, then it should be processed earlier. Specifically, soak, grind and, if necessary, ignite. All these procedures are done so that the ocher color does not lose its hiding power. In other words, if there are impurities in the pigment, then a uniform coating will not be obtained during staining. It has been seen that this particular color is popular and spreads the fastest among painters. 
How is the color of ocher perceived by a person?
A slightly dusty, restrained light brown-yellow color of ocher in many people associates with something dead, dry and sour. Therefore, it is not advised to use what is called "solo". Ideally, this color is mixed with a “wet”, juicy palette - all the colors of blue, greenish, grayish. As nuanced combinations, a composition with natural natural tones - brown, green, burgundy, yellowish, reddish - will look great. It is also great to combine a monochrome palette of small differences in the gradient. The color of ocher has a beneficial effect on a person. It helps to relax, even out the sensual background, get rid of excitement and tension. But the dominance of this color in its purest form can catch up with oppression and even depression. Therefore, it is very important to dilute or supplement it with others.
Ocher color in the interior
By themselves, neutral ocher colors are suitable for virtually any room. Their use in the living room or men's office will be impeccable. Light, immediate colors of this color do not tire. If we recall the traditional interiors of libraries, museums and classrooms, then they are just designed in this palette. Wall decoration in ocher color with panels made of natural wood, fabric or leather will look great. For a more beautiful contrasting combination, use matte accent rich tones. Ocher colors have a relaxing effect on us. Therefore, this color palette will be completely appropriate in the bedrooms. In the brightest interior built on contrasts, details and accents made in ocher colors will balance the color palette of the room decoration.
