French Red Ochre Pigment

Red Ochre France – Natural Red Pigment (PR102)

100% natural earth pigment | Warm red ochre | Pigment Red 102

TerraChrom Red Ochre France is a 100% natural mineral pigment originating from the historic ochre deposits of Gargas, Vaucluse, France. Produced by heating naturally extracted yellow ochre to develop its distinctive red colour, this pigment offers a warm, earthy red tone with subtle mineral variation.

Composed of naturally occurring iron-bearing minerals and aluminosilicates, including kaolinite and goethite, Red Ochre France combines excellent UV resistance and very good colouring strength with the rich character of traditional earth pigments.

In transparent binders, it produces a covering orange-red brown, while white bases bring out a softer, slightly pink salmon shade. Its versatility makes it suitable for traditional architectural finishes, mineral paints, decorative coatings, and artistic applications.

Key Features

• 100% natural mineral pigment – Produced from naturally extracted French ochre.

• Warm, earthy red colour – Creates rich orange-red brown tones and softer salmon shades in white bases.

• Excellent UV resistance – Suitable for applications where light exposure is a consideration.

• Very good colouring strength – Produces distinctive colour in compatible binders.

• Traditional French origin – Sourced from the historic ochre deposits of Gargas, Vaucluse.

• Versatile applications – Suitable for compatible paints, plasters, cementitious materials, and decorative finishes.

• Fine powder form – Supplied as a dry pigment for incorporation into suitable binders.

Recommended Uses

• Limewash and mineral paints

• Decorative plasters, stucco, and traditional finishes

• Fresco and casein-based paints

• Water-based and linseed-oil paints

• Concrete, mortar, and cement colouring

• Wax finishes and decorative coatings

• Fine-art painting and creative applications

• Interior and exterior decorative finishes, subject to finished-system testing

Technical Information

Pigment name: Red Ochre France

Colour Index: Pigment Red 102 (PR102)

Origin: Gargas, Vaucluse, France

Pigment type: 100% natural mineral ochre, thermally processed

Mineral composition: Iron-bearing minerals and aluminosilicates, including kaolinite and goethite (SiO₂, Al₂O₃, Fe₂O₃)

Colour: Warm red ochre

Form: Dry red powder

Bulk density: Approximately 508 g/L

pH: Approximately 7 (test conditions unspecified)

Solubility: Insoluble

UV resistance: Excellent

Colouring strength: Very good

Flammability: Non-flammable

CAS number: Not available

Mixing & Application

Red Ochre France can be incorporated into compatible binders to create warm red, terracotta, and earthy decorative finishes.

For water-based paints and lime paste, pre-disperse the pigment in a small amount of water before incorporating it into the binder. For dry lime, cement, or plaster, blend the pigment evenly into the dry material before adding liquids.

For linseed-oil paints and wax finishes, use a suitable compatible dispersion medium.

Recommended pigment dosage: Up to 10% of binder weight. Higher concentrations may require additional fixatives or additives in lime-based formulations.

For fine-art applications, grind the pigment finely before combining it with the selected binder.

Always prepare a small test batch to evaluate colour, dispersion, binder compatibility, and finished-surface performance before proceeding with a larger project.

Handling & Storage

Store in a tightly closed container in a dry location. Avoid generating or inhaling airborne dust, ensure adequate ventilation, and wear suitable eye protection when handling the dry pigment.

Red Ochre France is not classified as hazardous under the Canadian Hazardous Products Regulations (HPR), based on available product information. Standard precautions for handling mineral powders should nevertheless be followed.

Refer to the current TerraChrom Safety Data Sheet for detailed safety and handling information.

Technical Documents

Safety Data Sheet: English | Français

Tech Sheet: English | Français