Iron Oxide

Iron oxides have been used by humans as a natural pigment for thousands of years. Cave paintings in Indonesia believed to be over 40,000 years old contain the pigment. Cultures across the world and history have found an endless range of uses for it, which continues today.  In the modern landscaping industry it is used to dye mulch a vibrant red. In high fired ceramics it can be used as a flux, causing more melt and staining in a glaze.

Iron oxide is cheap and readily available but it is also incredibly easy to make at home. 

I start with throwing nails and other scrap metal containing iron into a bucket that stays outside. Over time weathering causes rust to accumulate. This rust is a form of iron oxide. Water is added and shaken vigorously. This mixture is then poured through a strainer and set aside to dry. To speed along the process it can be poured into an earthenware or bisque fired bowl. The dry powder remaining is now ready for use. 

I mix it with water to a desired thickness and use it under glazes. The last two photos show the oxide reacting with a pumice glaze.

From January 5, 2024