What natural materials were pigments traditionally made from?

Pigments have historically been derived from natural materials such as plants and minerals. Plant-based pigments often come from various parts of the plant, including leaves, flowers, and fruits, which can yield a wide range of colors due to the presence of chlorophyll, carotenoids, and anthocyanins. For example, deep reds may be obtained from beetroot, while various greens can come from spinach or other green foliage.

Minerals also play a crucial role in the creation of pigments. Earth-based minerals like iron oxides and ochres have been ground into powders and used to create durable and stable pigments. These mineral pigments are valued for their vividness and longevity, being resistant to fading.

While other options mention materials like metals, clays, gems, and shells, these do not represent the primary sources of traditional pigments. Metals can be used in pigments, but they tend not to be the main component in traditional pigment formulations. Clays can provide color when processed, but they are generally classified more as a medium than a pigment source. Additionally, gems and shells typically do not serve as pigment sources in a traditional context, even though they may produce vibrant colors in certain applications. Thus, the combination of plants and minerals is foundational in the history