Carbon Black - Pigment

Pigment

Carbon black (Colour Index International, PBK-7) is the name of a common black pigment, traditionally produced from charring organic materials such as wood or bone. It appears black because it reflects very little light in the visible part of the spectrum, with an albedo near zero. The actual albedo varies dependent upon the source material and method of production. It is known by a variety of names, each of which reflects a traditional method for producing carbon black:

• Ivory black was traditionally produced by charring ivory or bones (see bone char).
• Vine black was traditionally produced by charring desiccated grape vines and stems.
• Lamp black was traditionally produced by collecting soot, also known as lampblack, from oil lamps.

Newer methods of producing carbon black have superseded these traditional sources, although some materials are still produced using traditional methods. For artisanal purposes, it is very useful. See for further uses.