Ochre
What is Ochre?
Ochre (pronounced o-ker) is a hydrated ferric oxide, chemical formula: FeO(OH). Ochre is inorganic, chemically inert, non-reactive with cement or mortar and nontoxic in powder or granular form. New Riverside produces two grades of Ochre pigments that are called 548 and 404. 548 is most commonly used as it is slightly darker in color and lower in price than 404.
Ochre is mined and processed in Cartersville, Georgia at the only year-round ochre mining and processing operation in the United States. New Riverside Ochre is proud to be a “Made in the USA” Company.
How is Ochre Used?
Ochre can be used as is to achieve a range of colors from brown to yellow-brown to buff simply by varying the addition rate. It may also be used as the base for producing a broad range of earth tone colors ranging from red to dark brown and black to yellow.
Ochre has proven to be a cost effective colorant in:
- Mortar
- Brick
- Roofing Granules
- Concrete and Concrete Block
- Concrete Pavers & Retaining Walls
- Plastics and Coatings
- Ceramic Roofing and Floor Tiles
- Inks, Paints and Stains
- Caulks and Sealers
Specific applications include:
- Driveways, Patios and Sidewalks
- Golf Cart Paths
- Pavers and Retaining Walls
- Roofing Shingles
- Stamped Concrete
- Parking Areas
- Roofing Tile
- Floor Tile
Advantages of Ochre
- Cost Performance: Economy and versatility are the primary reasons why ochre pigments have enjoyed over 80 years of success in the pigment industry.
- Economical: Ochre is the most economical buff colorant available today. Ochre based blends repeatedly outperform synthetic iron oxide colors on a regular basis where earth tone treatments are desired. On jobs ranging from a residential driveway to a 100,000-plus cubic yard drainage canal, ochre has been chosen because of its economy and performance quality.
- A "typical" concrete project using Ochre for color will cost less than $11.00 per cubic yard of concrete for the color.
- A "typical" concrete project using Ochre for color will cost less than $11.00 per cubic yard of concrete for the color.
- Permanence: Because ochre is an iron oxide, it is a permanent color. It will not fade or wash out. The cave paintings by prehistoric man, as well as the earth pigments used extensively in Renaissance art, attest vividly to the beauty and permanence of natural iron oxide pigments.
- Ease of Use: Ochre blends easily and uniformly in both mortar and concrete.
- Custom Colors containing natural iron oxide Ochre and Umber as a base can be formulated to create a new “natural” range of color.
- Ochre is truly "The best bargain in the pigment industry."
Packaging Options
Ochre products are available in 50 pound bags, super sacks and bulk tankers. Custom packaging is also available.