Rublev Colours Yellow Ochre Extra Light is a premium natural French ochre sourced from the historic ochre deposits of Gargas and Rustrel, nestled in a 12 mile enclave in the Luberon Massif (the ochre country). This extra light grade sits at the pale end of the ochre spectrum, offering a soft, sunlit yellow that stays grounded and natural rather than bright or acidic. Like true ochres, it is known for two defining qualities: it is highly concentrated in colour and does not fade in daylight, making it a dependable long-term earth pigment for artists and makers.

Yellow ochre is a natural earth pigment based on hydrated iron oxide minerals (goethite type, α-FeOOH) with clay and mineral traces that influence tone and handling. French ochre is historically prized for its quality and balance, and it remains a studio staple for underpainting, landscape work, portraits, and gentle warming mixes. Yellow Ochre Extra Light is especially useful when you want a subtle, creamy yellow that lifts mixtures without overpowering them, and it is excellent for natural skin tones, light stone colours, dry grasses, and atmospheric highlights.

Ochre is among the most permanent pigments on an artist’s palette and is broadly compatible with other pigments and common binders. It performs well in oil, acrylic, watercolour, gouache, tempera, and other paint making systems.

Key specs

• Colour Index: PY 43 (77492)

• Pigment type: Natural inorganic (iron oxide hydroxide earth)

• Chemical formula: α-FeOOH

• ASTM lightfastness: I (Acrylic, Oil, Watercolour)

• Oil absorption: 30 to 35 g linseed oil / 100 g pigment

• Density: 2.9 to 4.3

• Hardness: 4.0 to 5.5

• Size: 100g

Handling and safety
Not considered toxic, but as with all dry pigments avoid inhaling dust and avoid ingestion or prolonged skin contact. Use good ventilation and a dust mask when handling powder.