– Pigments are substances that impart color to other materials; they are typically insoluble and used in a variety of applications from art to industrial design.
– Historically, pigments have been derived from minerals, plants, and animals, with some of the earliest uses dating back to prehistoric times for body decoration and cave paintings.
– In contrast to dyes, which are soluble and often organic, pigments are usually inorganic and do not dissolve in the medium they are used in.
– Common pigments include titanium dioxide (used for white colors) and iron oxides (used for reds, yellows, and browns).
– Biological pigments, such as chlorophyll in plants, play a crucial role in processes like photosynthesis and are essential for the survival of various organisms.
– The selection of pigments for specific uses, such as paints and coatings, is based on properties like color strength, durability, and lightfastness..