Ochre (pronounced o-ker) is a natural mineral earth pigment. Chemically, it is a hydrated ferric oxide, chemical formula: FeOOH. Ochre is inorganic, chemically inert, non-reactive with cement or mortar, nontoxic and classified simply as a nuisance dust due to its fine particle size.

Ochre is mined and processed in Cartersville, Georgia at the only year-round ochre mining and processing operation in the United States.

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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 and Brick
• Roofing Granules
• Concrete and Concrete Block
• Paper
• Ceramic Tiles
• Textiles
• Cosmetics
• Inks, Paints and Stains
• Sealers and Caulks

Specific applications include:

• Driveways, Patios and Sidewalks
• Golf Cart Paths
• Swimming Pool Decks
• Tennis Courts
• Stamped Concrete
• Parking Areas
• Landscape Blocks

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Ochre actually improves the strength of both concrete and mortar. It has been tested using ASTM Spec. C-39 "Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Cylindrical Concrete Specimens" and C-91 "Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Hydraulic Cement Mortars". Copies of the test data are available upon request.

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Ochre is shipped directly from our production facility in Cartersville, Georgia in 50 lb. paper bags and 1-ton super sacks. Ochre may also be purchased from one of our distributors located across the U.S. Please contact us for the location nearest you.

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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 out perform other colors on a regular basis. 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 5 sacks of cement per cubic yard of concrete will require less than $10 worth of ochre pigment per cubic yard ($.12 per square foot on a 4" slab). "Typical" mortar costs are $.85 per 94 lb. sack of mortar. Ochre truly is "The best bargain in the pigment industry."

Permanence: Because ochre is an iron oxide, it is a permanent color. It will not fade or wash out. The cave painting of prehistoric man, as well as the earth pigments used extensively in Renaissance art, attest vividly to the beauty and permanence of natural pigments.
Ease of Use: Ochre blends easily and uniformly in both mortar and concrete.

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NRO Ochre is a pure natural iron oxide with no fillers or extenders. Consistently uniform from bag to bag, ochre is processed and controlled within exact physical and chemical limits. State of the art color measuring and monitoring equipment and our dedication to quality are our assurance of a superior product.

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