Burnt Umber, brownish, PBr 8

Cyprus Brown Earth

A refined pigment category wherein manganese dioxide displaces iron oxide within the ocher structure, creating a palette of refined brownish tones. The proportion of manganese present determines chromatic depth—greater concentrations yield increasingly dark, complex hues. Connoisseurs regard Cypriot umber as the gold standard for artistic applications, though esteemed sources also include deposits from Italy, England, and Germany, each contributing distinct characteristics to the pigment's legacy.

• Chemical description: Natural brown earth, contains manganese oxides. Pigment Brown 8, C.I. 77727
• Lightfastness - thinned: 8 (1 is bad, 8 is best)
• Lightfastness - medium: 8 (1 is bad, 8 is best)
• Lightfastness - concentrated: 8 (1 is bad, 8 is best)
• Suitability: Acrylics, Cement / Tadelakt, Ceramic, Lime / Fresco, Oil, Silicate binder, Waterglass, Tempera, Watercolor / Gouache