Inorganic pigments are coloring materials are differentiated in terms of chemical properties as well as coloring hues. Based on decisive classification standards, inorganic pigments are broadly classified into diverse categories of white pigments, black pigments, colored pigments as well as specialty inorganic pigments. Owing to their potency, cost efficiency, properties and source availability, inorganic pigments have been adopted across diverse industries comprising the likes of textile, paper, leather, paints and coatings, inks amongst other applications.

Typically building components mainly use inorganic pigments for coloring various objects such as tiles, bricks, cement and renderings amongst others. These specifically used inorganic pigments used for building materials and construction are mainly iron oxide and chromium oxide derivatives.

Owing to properties of longevity and resistance against harsh weather conditions, high grade inorganic pigments find ample usability in paints and coatings industry to offer improved finish such as high gloss and resilience. Inorganic pigments specifically for the paint industry need to be high on tinting capabilities and optimum dispersion for desirable output. In Essence, inorganic pigments are classified as oxides, sulfates, carbonates and silicates of important chemicals. One of the most important factor of inorganic pigments is the particle size and dimension that decide adoption and use across diverse industrial applications.

Inorganic pigments are obtained either from naturally occurring pigments such as cobalts, cadmiums and the like, or are even derived synthetically. On the contrary, organic pigments are obtained from plants and other carbon derived life forms. Despite higher safety quotient of organic pigments, inorganic pigments continue to remain highly sought-after ingredient across diverse industrial applications. White based inorganic pigments are high on opacity and are used across a range of industrial products such as food items, toothpaste, as well as cosmetics. One of the most important members of white based inorganic pigment is titanium dioxide. Besides food grade applications, titanium dioxide is also used in paints to improve appearance and finish.

Inorganic pigments have been long in use as potential coloring agents to suit diverse needs, more specifically during exposure to high temperatures. Inorganic pigments are composed of heavy metals which are also known as transition metals that tend to have adverse implications upon health and the environment. IN this regard, cadmium based inorganic pigments deserve a quick mention, which has also rendered several regulatory protocols to govern judicious use of cadmium based inorganic pigments. Therefore, manufacturers in inorganic pigments space are aggressively investing towards developing improved pigments with competitive and better opacity, strength, heat and color stability to meet soaring industry demands for improved inorganic pigments.