Skip to product information
1 of 49
  • Play video

Earth & Mineral Pigments

Make your own safe and professional quality art supplies with non-toxic pigments! Natural Earth & Mineral Pigments are archival, eco-friendly and sustainably-harvested from around the world.

Regular price
$14.95
Regular price
Sale price
$14.95
Shipping calculated at checkout.
Size
Color – Ultramarine Purple
Description

For recipes and tutorials for mixing many types of paint with these pigments, visit our Resources page.

  • No added fillers, additives, preservatives or stabilizers
  • Will free your studio of harsh toxins
  • Available in 3 oz, 1 lb. or our 1 lb. zero waste option

Each natural pigment has a different set of characteristics, such as

  • liquid absorption
  • volume
  • tinting strength
  • granulation

**Because of these characteristics, they each require a different amount of binder to create the desired paint consistency.

Packaged in Home Compostable Pouches & 100% Recycled Envelopes! 

New! We have 2 Limited Run Pigments - "Sunflower Yellow" and "Ercolano Orange" - available only in the Zero Waste Section (order while supplies last)

For Information and Safety Data Sheets for each pigment, click HERE

Technical Data

Safety:
Use care when handling any dry pigment; it’s not healthy to breathe any type of dust into your lungs, even if it is non-toxic and natural (like our pigments). Avoid inhaling pigment dust and use a mask when mixing if needed.

Color:
Since computer monitors, tablets and smartphones may differ in how they display colors, the actual pigment powders we sell may differ slightly from their product image as displayed on your device. We do not guarantee colors based on these images.

Shipping & returns

Eco-Friendly Practices

We are a small, woman-owned and run business operating out of a solar-powered facility in Southern Oregon. We also double as a used packaging drop-off site for local residents and businesses. We use 100% post-consumer recycled packaging, home compostable paint pouches and recyclable glass and aluminum bottles for our products.

We give back by donating to "One Tree Planted" and "Rogue Climate" every month and continue to donate to various humanitarian and environment causes throughout the year.

Generally, all orders are shipped using zero-waste packaging and materials. Our shipping department uses paper stuffing and biodegradable paper tape, with the exception of shipping glass, as noted in the product descriptions for products made of glass.

Return Policies

We offer full refunds on any defective or damaged products. We also offer full refunds (less shipping costs) on elective returns if the product is in re-sellable condition and the return has been made within 3 months of the purchase.

Shipping Policies

Free Standard Shipping on orders above $100 for U.S. customers.

Orders containing in-stock items are typically processed within 2 business days from when we receive the order during operating hours. If a purchase contains out-of-stock or pre-order items, we will ship the order once ALL items are available and it can be fulfilled completely. Once an order is shipped, you will receive a confirmation email with tracking information; please save this email in case of any issues with your order.

After a package leaves our facility, it becomes the responsibility of the contracted carrier to get it to you. Any issues or problems that arise must be resolved with them directly. For USPS orders in particular, we've be instructed that it is best for the recipient to first speak with their local post office regarding any concerns.

Additionally, you can monitor your shipment or file a claim for lost mail with each of the carriers we use: U.S. Postal ServiceUPS, or FedEx.

We work hard to ensure orders are processed and received as quickly as possible, but unfortunately, we're unable to locate lost or delayed packages. We recognize errors happen and ask for your patience in those circumstances, but we will not ship replacement items or issue refunds until a formal determination is made by the carrier. Please use the resources outlined above to seek resolution if needed.

 

International Shipping

If you’re ordering from EuropeCanadaAustralia or New Zealand, please click the appropriate link to visit the distributor for your region. We normally ship USPS International for international orders, and the order typically takes 2-3 weeks for delivery. Due to global constraints, shipping times may vary, and additional delays can occur due to customs inspections. Since we never know if a package will be held at customs, any import fees or taxes applied to the delivery must be paid by the recipient.

PRODUCT FAQs

Are your pigments cosmetic grade?
Our pigments are not certified cosmetic grade. Our pigment providers have said that they are safe for cosmetics, but they are not technically certified cosmetic-grade. We use certified cosmetic grade pigments for our natural face paint but we don't sell those pigments. 

What do I mix with your pigments to make paint? Water, binders, etc.
It depends on what type of paint you are trying to make. Our “Resources” section is full of useful information and recipes for making a wide variety of paints. Water alone does not work - it will appear to make a creamy paint but when it dries it will dust off the surface. You need to add a natural binder to make it adhere to a surface. 

Here are a few of the most popular recipes: Oil Paint, Watercolor Paint, Gouache Paint, Egg Tempera Paint, Drawing Ink

Are the pigments and paints archival and lightfast?
Yes, all our Earth and Mineral Pigments and paints are extremely archival and have excellent/ permanent lightfastness. Natural earth pigments are the most permanent and archival of any pigment and don’t contain fillers, stabilizers, solvents or preservatives.

The earth pigments will last thousands of years in a glass jar and never fade or degrade. Without the fillers and additives, nothing gets in the way of the purity and longevity of these paints.

Note: see each pigment description on the pigment product page.

Do I need to wear a mask when mixing powders?
Our pigments are completely non-toxic but no matter what kind-of dust you're using, you don't want to inhale large amounts of any kind. Most artists who mix our pigments don't wear any mask protection because they scoop small amounts and mix carefully so as to not create any airborne dust. But definitely use a mask if you have lung sensitivity or health problems or are concerned in any way. 

How much pigment do I need to add? What is the ratio of pigment to oil when mixing oil paint?
Every color has a completely different oil: pigment ratio because each color absorbs moisture differently and each pigment has a different molecular structure, size, density, drying time, etc. You simply pour the pigment onto the palette and add small amounts of oil at a time and mix until it makes a smooth, thick paste. You can use a glass dropper to add drops at a time. 

Titanium White - does it contain titanium dioxide? Our Titanium Dioxide (Ti02) is from a common mineral found in nature called Rutile. It is found in metamorphic and igneous rocks, and is the second most abundant mineral sand. Our product is not to be confused with Titanium metal (Ti) which is a silver metal that can also be derived from the same deposits but is a different, separate component. Titanium metal is not a part of our Titanium White pigment.  Titanium Dioxide White is a byproduct of oxidizing the rutile mineral and does not contain any metal. The only other natural white would be chalk whiting; however, this does not have the opacity or refractive index of Titanium White so it is not really a substitute. Please note, Titanium dioxide is toxic to breathe in large amounts because it contains silica (ground quartz) which is abrasive to the lungs. We have warnings on our product boxes but please be careful to mix with care so as not to inhale the dust. Once the pigment is in liquid form it is completely harmless and is commonly in natural sunscreens, food and vegan milks. 

Why should I mix my own paint when I can buy paint pre-made?
We believe that the extra step of mixing your own paint is well worth the peace of mind of knowing you are using the safest and most sustainable paint on the market. Our Natural Earth Paint for children contains only three natural ingredients, and the Earth & Mineral Pigments contain only one ingredient. Most pre-made paints on the market contain a variety of toxic chemical stabilizers, petrochemicals, fillers, and preservatives. Natural pigments provide an unsurpassed luminosity, depth of color, UV resistance, humidity resistance, and archival qualities. As soon as you have a liquid paint you need a preservative to keep it from going bad on the shelf - by mixing your own, there's no need for preservatives. Conventional paints are the "fast food" approach that the mainstream paint industry thinks consumers demand, but we believe our customers deserve better.

Where do your pigments come from?
We get our pigments from small quarries in countries across the world, including the USA, France, and Italy, depending on where that color pigment is prevalent in the ground. We manufacture our paints in Ashland, Oregon.

Where do you find the Ultramarine Blue and Ultramarine Purple pigments?
The blue and purple pigments are our only pigments that have been fired and manipulated to get their vibrant color. Each is composed of 90% natural earthen clay and 10% man-made minerals (which are heated in an oven to a high temperature to create their vibrant color.) Throughout history, blues in nature were very rare and usually made with precious stones like Lapis Lazuli. These stones are now unsustainably harvested in Afghanistan, so we have found a beautiful and eco-friendly alternative.

Can I use your pigments to color wax or encaustics?
People commonly use our pigments with wax and encaustics. Anything that you would use regular pigments with you can use our natural pigments as well. They are color stable to heats from 330 degrees to 1100 degrees depending on the color.

Can I use your pigments for modeling clay?
Yes, our natural pigments are safe to use in modeling clay. Be sure to not use the Natural Earth Paint, only pure pigments. We also have a recipe for making natural modeling clay. 

Does your Titanium White paint yellow over time?
If your white paint is yellowing, it’s actually the oil that’s turning it yellow, not the pigment itself. Some painters mix Liquid Gold Hempseed Oil or poppyseed oil (since it is the clearest of all oils) with their white pigments only instead of walnut or linseed oil, to stop it from yellowing. Many artists do that for just white. We carry walnut oil because it is less yellowing than linseed oil although linseed oil dries faster which some people prefer.


12 colors of Natural Earth and Mineral Pigments - white background
Green pigment being mixed with  a palette knife
Earth & Mineral Pigments
Infographic that shows how to make oil painting by adding pigment and walnut oil. Just mix and paint!
Infographic that shows 4 styles of paint you can make with natural pigments: oil paint, watercolor paint, acrylic paint, and gouache paint.
Natural Earth Paint color swatches
Three one pound Bags of Natural Earth Pigment
Dollop of red Earth Pigment mixed with oil
Rebecca Sobbi on Natural Oil Painting and Earth Pigments | Earth Artist Interview
Earth & Mineral Pigment 3 oz pack - Ultramarine Purple
Earth & Mineral Pigment 3 oz pack - Brilliant Yellow
Earth & Mineral Pigment 3 oz pack - Emerald Green
Earth & Mineral Pigment 3 oz pack - Venetial Red
Earth & Mineral Pigment 3 oz pack - Yellow Ochre
Earth & Mineral Pigment 3 oz pack - Terre Verte
Earth & Mineral Pigment 3 oz pack - Ultramarine Blue
Earth & Mineral Pigment 3 oz pack - Burnt Umber
Earth & Mineral Pigment 3 oz pack - Burnt Sienna
Earth & Mineral Pigment 3 oz pack - Raw Umber
Earth & Mineral Pigment 3 oz pack - Raw Sienna
Earth & Mineral Pigment 3 oz pack - Black Ochre
Earth & Mineral Pigment 3 oz pack - Titanium White Rutile
Earth & Mineral Pigment 3 oz pack - Orange Ochre
Earth & Mineral Pigment 3 oz pack - Violet Ochre
Earth & Mineral Pigment 3 oz pack - Mayan Red
Earth & Mineral Pigment 3 oz pack - French Turquoise
Earth & Mineral Pigment 3 oz pack - Natural Mica Silver
Earth & Mineral Pigment 3 oz pack - Natural Mica Copper
Earth & Mineral Pigment 3 oz pack - Natural Mica Gold
Earth & Mineral Pigment 1 lb pack - Ultramarine Purple
Earth & Mineral Pigment 1 lb pack - Brilliant Yellow
Earth & Mineral Pigment 1 lb pack - Emerald Green
Earth & Mineral Pigment 1 lb pack - Venetian Red
Earth & Mineral Pigment 1 lb pack - Yellow Ochre
Earth & Mineral Pigment 1 lb pack - Terre Verte
Earth & Mineral Pigment 1 lb pack - Ultramarine Blue
Earth & Mineral Pigment 1 lb pack - Burnt Umber
Earth & Mineral Pigment 1 lb pack - Burnt Sienna
Earth & Mineral Pigment 1 lb pack - Raw Umber
Earth & Mineral Pigment 1 lb pack - Raw Sienna
Earth & Mineral Pigment 1 lb pack - Black Ochre
Earth & Mineral Pigment 1 lb pack - Titanium White Rutile
Earth & Mineral Pigment 1 lb pack - Orange Ochre
Earth & Mineral Pigment 1 lb pack - Violet Ochre
Earth & Mineral Pigment 1 lb pack - Mayan Red
Earth & Mineral Pigment 1 lb pack - Silver Mica
Earth & Mineral Pigment 1 lb pack - Copper Mica
Earth & Mineral Pigment 1 lb pack - Gold Mica
Earth & Mineral Pigment 1 lb pack - French Turquoise
Image 1
Image 2
Image 3

Customer Reviews

Based on 30 reviews
87%
(26)
3%
(1)
0%
(0)
10%
(3)
0%
(0)
M
Marian Clennon (Rochester, US)
3 oz Pigment packets

This is a perfect size for me for the pigments. It is the perfect size starting out using the pigments.

M
Marie Condra (Columbus, US)
Pigment packets and acrylic medium

I enjoy being able to mix the paint as I need it. The medium is thicker and can be thinned with water. The pigments I have tried have been more transparent so several coats are needed for complete coverage. I have also mixed the pigments in latex house paint to tint colors. Overall I really enjoy the product.

A
A Reviewer (Grand Rapids, US)

Love these non-toxic art supplies!

R
Rachel
Fabulous, Rich Colors!

I've had so much fun mixing my own paints - especially using the lovely glass muller. Thank you!

R
Rene F.
Positives Beyond the Canvas

Making my own oil colors using these pigments has been amazing! From choosing, mixing, using, and then an amazingly easy cleanup! Until I experienced a pure, natural oil color, I couldn't realize how much fillers and "stuff" was in the tubed paints I was buying! Just how easy brush cleaning is amazes me now! ReneFriberg.com

L
Leslie F.
thank you for a great natural alternative

love natural earth paint! i have been mixing white with american clay (which is also awesome!) to make white clay walls. its so beautiful smells amazing and is all natural ! will never go back to traditional paint for walls (i use romabio paint for trim they are also awesome) Thank you!!!!

Why Natural Earth Paint

  • SAFE
    &
    SUSTAINABLE

    Free of heavy metals, solvents, parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde, additives, petroleum-based dyes and nano-particles.

  • ZERO WASTE
    &
    ZERO WORRY

    100% solar powered facility, 100% recycled and biodegradable packaging, and zero-waste shipping option available.

  • INNOVATIVE
    &
    UNMATCHED

    Proud to be the most innovative eco-business in art supplies. We have a whole line of products that you can’t find anywhere else.

  • PROFESSIONAL
    &
    HIGH QUALITY

    The highest quality pigments, organic ingredients, and hand-crafted in small batches. Pure earth pigments make the most luminous paint available anywhere.