Magnetite pigments

Also known by various names such as Lodestone, Magnetit, Magnetyt, Magnétite, Magnitítis, Jitekkō, and Cí tiě kuàng, this natural pigment requires no additional grinding, making it suitable for icon painting (egg tempera) and watercolor painting.

Magnetite, a natural iron oxide magnet and primary iron ore, boasts a black opaque color with metallic luster and a hardness ranging from 5.5 to 6 on the Mohs Scale. As the most magnetic of all minerals, it holds a significant historical significance, named in 1845 by Wilhelm Karl von Haidinger after the locality at Magnesia, Greece. Black iron oxide, derived from magnetite, has enjoyed a long history of use as a pigment, offering a cool neutral tone that easily wets in various mediums and remains non-greasy like carbon black. Our magnetite is sourced from deposits in Chile, South America, representing the natural counterpart to Mars Black, an iron oxide pigment developed in the 20th century.

The process of preparing this pigment commences with the crushing of the mineral in a jaw crusher. Subsequently, the gravel undergoes thorough washing and milling in a water bath using a ball mill. Extended milling with smaller, denser media follows to produce an exceptionally fine pigment. The resulting fine pigment is meticulously washed multiple times to eliminate any impurities. The end product is a robust, transparent, and fast-drying black pigment, ideal for various painting techniques and media.