Natural dyes and pigments are coloring materials derived from natural sources like plants, minerals, and animals. The key difference is in their application: dyes are soluble substances that bond with the material they’re coloring, while pigments are insoluble particles that adhere to surfaces.
Common sources include:
- Plant-based: Indigo (blue), Madder root (red), Turmeric (yellow)
- Mineral-based: Ochre (yellow/red), Azurite (blue), Malachite (green)
- Animal-based: Cochineal (red), Tyrian purple (purple)
Natural dyes typically require a mordant (fixing agent) to bond with fibers, while pigments can be mixed with various binders to create paints and inks.