Mars Red

Description

Mars Red is a strong, opaque red pigment made from synthetic iron oxide (ferric oxide, Fe₂O₃). Its color ranges from deep brick red to warm crimson, with a slightly earthy undertone. Developed as part of the broader family of “Mars colors,” Mars Red was designed to replicate natural red ochres while offering improved purity, consistency, and permanence.

It is highly opaque, has strong covering power, and an excellent tinting strength. In watercolor it appears dense and granulating; in oil and acrylic it provides smooth, permanent reds that mix well with earths, whites, and other iron oxides.

History

The Mars pigment family was first synthesized in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, when chemists learned to manufacture iron oxides rather than relying solely on naturally occurring ochres and hematite. These pigments were more consistent in hue and free from mineral impurities, giving artists reliable colors that retained the beauty of traditional earths.

Mars Red quickly became a staple for academic and professional painters. Its permanence and opacity made it particularly useful for fresco, oil painting, and mural work, while its strong body and lightfastness ensured durability unmatched by many organic reds.

Today, Mars Red remains a standard for both fine artists and conservators, valued for its rich earthy tone, historical continuity, and archival stability.

Pigment Information

Pigment Type: Synthetic Inorganic (Iron Oxide)

Chemical Composition: Fe₂O₃ (Ferric Oxide)

Suitable Mediums: Watercolor, Oil, Tempera, Acrylic, Fresco, Encaustic

Lightfastness: Excellent

Opacity: Opaque

Other Names: Synthetic Red Ochre, Iron Oxide Red

Color Index Code: PR101 (Pigment Red 101)