Natural iron oxide (earth colour) deposits in Latvia: an assessment of the possibilities for their use in inorganic pigment manufacturing

In Latvia, iron oxide pigments for paints, stains and coatings are all imported, although the land is rich in sources of iron (earth colour). The aim of this study was to evaluate earth colour deposits in Latvia and to assess the possibilities for their use in natural earth pigment manufacturing. The study included tests of colour pigments available in the Latvian market, as well as evaluation of samples from earth colour deposits in Lunkeči and Kazuleja in Latvia, to determine their quality, chemical composition, and physical characteristics. The research continued with tests of production technology for inorganic pigment manufacturing (enrichment, processing, etc.). The study results showed that the quality of the pigments obtained does not differ significantly from the supply available in the market, pointing to the potential use of natural iron oxide deposits in Latvia for inorganic pigment manufacturing.