Pigments are colored or white powders, crystals or flakes that are insoluble in the medium in which they are used. They are used to impart color to a variety of materials, including paints, plastics, inks, cosmetics, food, and textiles. Pigments can be organic or inorganic, and are often classified based on their chemical composition and color.

Inorganic pigments are typically derived from minerals or other naturally occurring substances, and include colors such as iron oxide red, titanium dioxide white, and ultramarine blue. Organic pigments are typically derived from petroleum or coal tar, and include colors such as phthalocyanine blue and quinacridone red.

Pigments can also be classified based on their application method. For example, dry pigments are powders that are mixed with a binder and other additives to make a paint or ink. Liquid pigments, on the other hand, are already dispersed in a liquid medium, and can be added directly to a paint or ink formulation. Pigments can also be classified based on their particle size, which can affect their hiding power, gloss, and other properties.