Pigments are organic or inorganic, coloured, white or black materials that are practically insoluble in the medium in which they are dispersed.

Organic pigments refer to a wide range of chemical families and cover a wide spectrum of properties. They are mainly used for applications needing high tinting strength and brilliant shades. However, organic pigments can also include metallic (inorganic) elements in their structure which help stabilize the properties of the organic component.

Inorganic Pigments are inorganic chemical compounds, usually metallic salts precipitated from solutions. Inorganic pigments are mainly useful where high opacity is needed. The majorities of inorganic pigments are brighter and last longer than organic ones