yellow ochre

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Yellow ochre

This page presents the Spectroscopic analysis of this pigment.
The pigment has been examined using XRF spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, and Reflectance Spectroscopy. These complementary techniques provide valuable insights into the pigment’s composition and structure.
This page aims to show which analytical methods are most effective for identifying this pigment in artworks and historical materials. By comparing results across different techniques, it serves as a practical reference for Heritage Science, Conservation, and Pigment Analysis.

Used throughout history, this permanent pigment can be safely mixed with other pigments

Manufacturer / product code: Kremer / 40010
Chemical description: yellow ochre is a natural mineral consisting of silica and clay owing its color to an iron mineral, goethite. This specific sample is a natural yellow earth from France. Kremer PDF
Color: yellow
Color Index: PY43
More info: Pigments Through The Ages Colourlex

Yellow ochre is one of the oldest and most enduring pigments used by humankind, valued for its warm, earthy tone and remarkable stability. Chemically, it is a naturally occurring iron oxide pigment, primarily composed of goethite (α-FeO(OH)), often mixed with varying amounts of clay, silica, and manganese compounds. These impurities influence its hue, which can range from pale straw yellow to deep golden brown. Yellow ochre has been used continuously from prehistoric cave paintings through ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman art, and well into medieval and Renaissance painting. Its popularity stems from its excellent lightfastness, chemical inertness, and compatibility with virtually all binding media, including fresco, tempera, oil, and encaustic. Unlike many organic yellows, yellow ochre does not fade or discolor with time, making it a reliable choice for both artists and conservators. When heated, it dehydrates and transforms into red ochre, further expanding its historical and technical importance.

Raman Spectroscopy 532 nm – ElviRa Spectrometer for Art

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Raman spectroscopy 785 nm

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Pure pigments (no binder, just powder)

DOWNLOAD Free Raman Database

DOWNLOAD paper: “Pigments Checker version 3.0, a handy set for conservation scientists: A free online Raman spectra database”

Yellow ochre 40010 Raman Spectroscopy Pigments Checker

Raman spectroscopy 830 nm

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Raman spectroscopy 1064 nm

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XRF spectroscopy

XRF Spectroscopy Pigments-Checker Database (88997 downloads )

DOWNLOAD previous database from Pigments Checker V.3 DOWNLOAD paper: R. Larsen, N. Coluzzi, A. Cosentino “Free XRF Spectroscopy database of Pigments Checker” Intl Journal of Conservation Science.