Mars Violet

synthesized iron oxide, calcined

MarsViolet150.JPG (5200 bytes)

The counterpart to Indian Red. A low intensity deep bluish-red earth. Makes lavender tints.
Mars colors are synthetically made iron oxides. They are the counterpart to natural ochres. The practice of manufacturing them goes back to the 17th century. The term "mars" refers to the Roman deity, who was the god of iron as well as war. The advantage of the synthetic pigment is that it is uniformly cleaner, brighter, and denser than the ochres. They have incredible tinting strength and opacity.
Pigment Classification:
Synthetic Inorganic

Availability

Opacity:
opaque

R&F Encaustics

regular
Lightfastness:
I

R&F Pigment Sticks

small and large size
Color Index Name:
PR 101
Pigment Stick Drying Rate:
3 - Medium

[ Back to Color Chart ]  [ Technical Terms Defined ]  [ R&F Home Page ]

© 1999 R&F Handmade Paints, Inc.
1 800 206-8088