ASTM D85-05(2023)
(Specification)Standard Specification for Ochre Pigment
Standard Specification for Ochre Pigment
ABSTRACT
This specification covers ferrous earthy pigment included under the general term “ochre.” The pigment shall be a hydrated oxide of iron permeating a siliceous base and shall be free from added impurities and added coloring matter. The following test methods shall be conducted: chemical analysis of dry pigment; coarse particles; mass color and tinting strength; volatile matter; and moisture. The results of these test methods should conform to the pigment requirements.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers ferrous earthy pigment included under the general term “ochre.” The pigment may be purchased in the dry form.
1.2 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 31-May-2023
- Technical Committee
- D01 - Paint and Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications
- Drafting Committee
- D01.31 - Pigment Specifications
Relations
- Effective Date
- 01-Jun-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2012
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2012
- Effective Date
- 01-Jun-2011
- Effective Date
- 01-Feb-2008
- Effective Date
- 01-Jul-2007
- Effective Date
- 01-Jun-2007
- Effective Date
- 01-Feb-2007
- Effective Date
- 01-Sep-2005
- Effective Date
- 10-May-2001
- Effective Date
- 10-May-2001
- Effective Date
- 10-Jun-2000
- Effective Date
- 10-May-1999
- Refers
ASTM D185-84(1999) - Standard Test Methods for Coarse Particles in Pigments, Pastes, and Paints - Effective Date
- 10-May-1999
- Effective Date
- 10-Nov-1996
Overview
ASTM D85-05(2023) Standard Specification for Ochre Pigment establishes the essential requirements for ferrous earthy pigments known as ochre. Developed by ASTM International, this standard guides the characterization and quality assessment of ochre pigments, particularly for industrial, artistic, and construction applications. Ochre pigments addressed by this standard are hydrated iron oxides blended with a siliceous base, and must be free from both intentional impurities and added coloring matter.
ASTM D85-05(2023) supports reliable pigment sourcing and product consistency by specifying testing methodologies, minimum composition, maximum impurities, and uniformity requirements-ensuring ochre pigment quality for manufacturers, suppliers, and end-users.
Key Topics
Material Composition: The ochre pigment must be a hydrated oxide of iron on a siliceous base, with no added impurities or other coloring agents. Key compositional parameters include:
- Minimum ferric oxide content: 17%
- Maximum calcium oxide content: 5%
- No added lead chromate or organic coloring matter
Quality Attributes:
- Moisture and other volatile matter: Not more than 1%
- Coarse particles (residue on 45 μm sieve): Not more than 1%
Performance Tests: The standard references systematic test methods for determining pigment quality, including:
- Chemical analysis of dry pigment (ASTM D50)
- Testing for coarse particles (ASTM D185)
- Assessment of mass color and tinting strength (ASTM D387)
- Determination of volatile matter (ASTM D1208)
- Moisture content evaluation (ASTM D280, Method A)
Sampling Procedures: Specifies representative sampling requirements to ensure batch consistency-including the number of samples relative to production volumes.
International Alignment: Complies with the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (WTO TBT) principles for globally recognized standardization.
Applications
Ochre pigments conforming to ASTM D85-05(2023) play a vital role in multiple sectors, including:
- Paints and Coatings: Used as a natural pigment for producing a range of yellow, orange, and brown hues in architectural, industrial, and artistic paints.
- Construction Materials: Contributes earth tones to building materials such as plasters, mortars, bricks, and ceramics.
- Artistic Products: Valued by artists and manufacturers of art materials for its unique color properties and stability.
- Restoration and Conservation: Utilized in historical restoration projects to match original ochre finishes due to its natural composition and heritage significance.
The rigorous specifications of ASTM D85-05(2023) ensure pigments exhibit reliable color consistency, durability, and safety by minimizing unwanted impurities and guaranteeing predictable performance across uses.
Related Standards
ASTM D85-05(2023) refers to several key ASTM methods to support comprehensive ochre pigment evaluation:
- ASTM D50 - Chemical Analysis of Yellow, Orange, Red, and Brown Pigments Containing Iron and Manganese
- ASTM D185 - Methods for Coarse Particles in Pigments
- ASTM D387 - Method for Color and Strength of Chromatic Pigments with a Mechanical Muller
- ASTM D280 - Methods for Hygroscopic Moisture (and Other Matter Volatile Under the Test Conditions) in Pigments
- ASTM D1208 - Methods for Common Properties of Certain Pigments
Adopting ASTM D85-05(2023) and its referenced methods helps manufacturers, laboratories, and users maintain quality control, meet regulatory requirements, and foster trust in the supply chain for ochre pigments and related products.
Keywords: ochre pigment standard, ASTM D85, hydrated iron oxide, pigment testing, ochre quality specification, industrial pigments, ochre applications, international pigment standard.
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ASTM D85-05(2023) - Standard Specification for Ochre Pigment
Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM D85-05(2023) is a technical specification published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Specification for Ochre Pigment". This standard covers: ABSTRACT This specification covers ferrous earthy pigment included under the general term “ochre.” The pigment shall be a hydrated oxide of iron permeating a siliceous base and shall be free from added impurities and added coloring matter. The following test methods shall be conducted: chemical analysis of dry pigment; coarse particles; mass color and tinting strength; volatile matter; and moisture. The results of these test methods should conform to the pigment requirements. SCOPE 1.1 This specification covers ferrous earthy pigment included under the general term “ochre.” The pigment may be purchased in the dry form. 1.2 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ABSTRACT This specification covers ferrous earthy pigment included under the general term “ochre.” The pigment shall be a hydrated oxide of iron permeating a siliceous base and shall be free from added impurities and added coloring matter. The following test methods shall be conducted: chemical analysis of dry pigment; coarse particles; mass color and tinting strength; volatile matter; and moisture. The results of these test methods should conform to the pigment requirements. SCOPE 1.1 This specification covers ferrous earthy pigment included under the general term “ochre.” The pigment may be purchased in the dry form. 1.2 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ASTM D85-05(2023) is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 87.060.10 - Pigments and extenders. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM D85-05(2023) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM D1208-96(2019), ASTM D1208-96(2012), ASTM D280-01(2012), ASTM D50-90(2011), ASTM D387-00(2008), ASTM D185-07, ASTM D1208-96(2007), ASTM D280-01(2007), ASTM D50-90(2005), ASTM D280-81(1995), ASTM D280-01, ASTM D387-00, ASTM D50-90(1999), ASTM D185-84(1999), ASTM D1208-96(2002). Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM D85-05(2023) is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D85 − 05 (Reapproved 2023)
Standard Specification for
Ochre Pigment
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D85; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of original
adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A superscript
epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
Ferric oxide, min, % 17
Calcium oxide, max, % 5
1.1 This specification covers ferrous earthy pigment in-
Lead chromate none
cluded under the general term “ochre.” The pigment may be Organic coloring matter none
Moisture and other volatile matter, max, % 1.0
purchased in the dry form.
Coarse particles (total residue retained on a No. 325 1.0
(45 μm) sieve), max, %
1.2 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
3.2 The mass color and character of the tint and the tinting
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
strength formed by a mixture with a white pigment shall be
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
within mutually agreed upon limits of a standard acceptable to
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
both the purchaser and the seller.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
4. Sampling
2. Referenced Documents
2 4.1 Two samples shall be taken at random from different
2.1 ASTM Standards:
packages from each lot, batch, day’s pack, or other unit of
D50 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Yellow, Orange,
production in a shipment. When no markings distinguishing
Red, and Brown Pigments Containing Iron and Manga-
between units of production appear, samples shall be taken
nese
from different packages in the ratio of two samples for each
D185 Test Methods for Coarse Particles in Pigments
5 tons (inch-pound or SI), except that for shipments of less than
D280 Test Methods for Hygroscopic Moisture (and Other
10 000 lb two samples shall be taken. At the option of the
Matter Volatile Under the Test Conditions) in Pigments
purchaser, the samples may be tested separately or after
D387 Test Method for Color and Strength of Chromatic
blending in equal quantities the samples from the same
Pigments with a Mechanical Muller
production unit to form a composite sample.
D1208 Test Methods for Common Properties of Certain
Pigments
5. Test Methods
3. Composition and Properties
5.1 Tests shall be conducted in accordance with the appro-
3.1 The pigment shall be a hydrated oxide of iron permeat- priate ASTM test methods. Test proce
...




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