Pigment

Pigment, coloring substance. Pigments differ from dyes, which dissolve in a medium and stain the upper layers of a surface. Pigments are finely ground insoluble substances that are suspended in a medium and form a colored layer on top of the surface to which they are applied. Paints consist of pigments suspended in liquids, such as resins. Many of the pigments used in paints consist of oxides of various metals. The colors of animals and plants are caused by pigments in their skins or outer tissues. Human skin and hair contains malanin, and plants contain the green pigment chlorophyll.

See also: Color.