Mars Red (Yellow Shade) Pigment

Rublev Colours Mars Red pigments are intense maroon to russet colors that makes cool to warm reddish tints. Mars colors are permanent pigments with good tinting strength in all mediums. Mars red is a high tinting iron oxide pigment. The very fine particle size of the pigment gives this an intense color.

For a detailed explanation of the terms in the table above, please visit Composition and Permanence.

Origin and History

Mars red is one of the mars pigments developed during the eighteenth century and manufactured by the aqueous precipitation of iron salts. Mars yellow is the first pigment produced by this process, which is then further roasted to produce the other mars colors—orange, brown, red, and violet. Unlike other earlier synthetic iron oxides and oxide hydroxides, the mars colors were pure and very fine-grained while retaining high tinting strength.

For detailed information and the history of mars colors, please read Mars Is Closer Than We Think.

Source

The first mars pigments were manufactured by precipitating iron(II) sulfate (also called ‘green vitriol’ or ‘martial vitriol’) mixed with alum with an alkali, such as lime, caustic soda, potash, etc. The precipitate then was washed carefully to remove any remaining salts. Other salts of iron (iron chloride, iron nitrate, or iron acetate) were also used to manufacture the pigment. A yellow-brown pigment was produced by the precipitation of iron salts and alkali. Mars yellow was the starting material for other mars colors.

Permanence and Compatibility

Like all iron oxide pigments, Mas red is lightfast in all mediums and shows excellent weatherability.

Oil Absorption and Grinding

Mars red absorbs a moderate amount of oil; about 25 to 30 grams of linseed oil per 100 grams of pigment to make a paste.

Toxicity

Mars red is not considered toxic, however, care should be used in handling the dry powder pigment to avoid inhaling the dust. This pigment is FDA-approved (Section 178.3297). All toxicological studies showed no signs of toxicity to humans or the environment.

Ecology

Since Mars red is inert and practically insoluble in water, it does not pose a hazard to the environment. The pigment can be removed mechanically from effluents. On controlled dumpsites, no dissolved heavy metals are released into the seepage water.

For more information on how to handle pigments safely, please visit How to Safely Handle Art Materials and Pigments.