Fifth Grade
Worksheets
How Do Crayons, Paint, and Markers Work?
Crayons, paints, and markers all have one thing in common - pigment. Pigment is another word for color. Pigments are chemicals. Each one reflects certain wavelengths, or colors, of light and absorbs certain other ones. This is what makes each pigment look a different color.
Many pigments are made from chemical compounds that include metals. Iron, titanium, and chromium are all used in pigments.
Iron is a shiny, silvery metal. It turns red, as in rust, when mixed with oxygen. It is used in colors including reds, yellows, browns, and oranges.
Titanium is a bright white chemical. It is used in fireworks and in toothpaste. It is also used to make white and bright yellow pigments.
