What is a Pigment?  
A pigment is a material that changes the color of reflected or transmitted light due to selective wavelength absorption. In other words, it appears a certain color because it selectively absorbs specific wavelengths of light. The primary purpose of pigments is to provide color to materials, whether textiles or paints. Some people often consider pigments and dyes to be the same, but they are quite different. The major difference between the two is their solubility.
While a dye can dissolve by itself in a liquid, pigments can be dispersed in a liquid with the help of a binder. Dyes are mainly used in the textile and paper industries, whereas pigments are used in industries such as paints, inks, cosmetics, and plastics.
 
Types of Pigments  
Pigments are classified into two types based on their formulation methods: organic pigments and inorganic pigments.
 
Organic Pigments:  
These types of pigments occur naturally and have been used for centuries. They have a very simple chemical structure. They are called organic because they contain minerals and metals that give them color. Manufacturers of organic pigments produce them through a simple process of washing, drying, powdering, and blending them into formulations.  
Compared to inorganic pigments, the use of these pigments is less common, which is why there are a limited number of suppliers for organic pigments. These pigments are used when a very high tinting strength is not required.
 
Inorganic Pigments:  
As the name suggests, these types of pigments are the exact opposite of organic pigments. These pigments are also known as "synthetic pigments." They are formulated in laboratories and offer a wide range of control for inorganic pigment manufacturers. Inorganic pigments are produced through relatively simple chemical processes like oxidation.  
Suppliers of inorganic pigments primarily provide these pigments for industries such as paints, plastics, synthetic fibers, and inks. When bright colors are required, organic pigments are used as they offer strong tinting power. Inorganic pigments include opaque white pigments, which are commonly used to lighten other colors and create opacity.
 
Two other types of pigments are metallic pigments and industrial pigments.  
Metallic pigments, as the name suggests, include pigments like zinc and aluminum. Industrial pigments are widely used in industrial applications and include organic, inorganic, and metallic pigments.