The Deepest Shade – Exploring the World of Black Pigments
Black is often seen as the simplest of colors, but in the world of pigments, black is anything but basic. From the smoky depths of **Carbon Black** to the rich, organic tones of **Ivory Black**, artists and manufacturers have long explored various ways to capture the essence of darkness. In this post, we’ll uncover the history of black pigments, how they’re made, and what sets them apart.
Early Black Pigments: Soot, Charcoal, and Bone
Black was one of the first colors used by humans, appearing in prehistoric cave paintings as charcoal or soot mixed with binders. These early blacks were made from natural materials:
- **Charcoal Black**: Burnt wood reduced to powder, offering a soft, warm tone with a relatively low tinting strength.
- **Bone Black (Ivory Black)**: Originally made from burning animal bones or ivory in low oxygen, creating a dense black rich in brown undertones.
Ivory Black was once literally made from ivory—hence the name. Today, it’s produced using charred animal bones and often called **Bone Black** to reflect ethical sourcing practices.
---Modern Innovations: Carbon Black and Mars Black
As industrial chemistry advanced, so did black pigments. Two modern blacks have become staples in art and industry:
- **Carbon Black (PBk7)**: Chemically **Amorphous Carbon**. Created by the incomplete combustion of hydrocarbons like coal tar or natural gas. This pigment is deep, neutral, and extremely lightfast, making it ideal for inks, paints, and automotive coatings.
- **Mars Black (PBk11)**: Chemically **Black Iron Oxide**. A synthetic iron oxide black introduced in the 20th century. It is slightly warmer than Carbon Black and more opaque, with less oil absorption—making it excellent for artists using oils or acrylics.
How Black Pigments Are Made
- **Carbon Black**: Made by burning hydrocarbon fuels in a low-oxygen environment and collecting the resulting soot particles.
- **Bone Black**: Produced by calcining animal bones in sealed containers without air, leaving behind a high-carbon black rich in calcium phosphate.
- **Mars Black**: Synthesized by oxidizing iron salts at high temperatures to form a dense, stable black iron oxide.
What’s the Difference Between Black Pigments?
While all blacks may appear similar at a glance, their undertones, opacity, and handling qualities can vary widely:
| Black Pigment | Undertone | Opacity | Lightfastness | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ivory/Bone Black (PBk9) | Warm, brownish | Semi-opaque | Excellent | Traditional and versatile |
| Carbon Black (PBk7) | Neutral to cool | High | Excellent | High tinting strength |
| Mars Black (PBk11) | Slightly warm | Very high | Excellent | Fast drying in oils |
| Charcoal Black | Warm, soft | Low | Good | Mainly used in dry media |
Black in the Artist’s Palette
Some artists avoid black pigments, preferring to mix darks from complementary colors to keep their palette more dynamic. However, well-chosen blacks can enhance depth, contrast, and atmosphere in both traditional and contemporary artworks.
Tip: Try mixing black with yellow for olive greens, or with red for rich, earthy browns.
Conclusion
From ancient cave art to the most modern studio, black remains an essential and deeply expressive pigment. Whether you prefer the neutrality of Carbon Black or the warmth of Ivory Black, understanding the subtle differences can help you choose the right black for your artistic style.
*Explore the range of black pigments available at Jackman’s Art Materials and see how the darkest shade can bring your work to life.*