One of the fastest growing markets for iron oxide pigments is in decorative architectural concrete. Iron oxide pigments (IOP) are the lifeblood of decorative concrete and the means for that architectural expression. Only IOP offer the combination of cost effectiveness, light fastness, durability, and cement compatibility that makes colored concrete feasible. Although other types of pigment provide these properties, they do so at a cost several times that of IOP. Even with IOP, the cost of pigment can double the material cost over that of plain concrete, meaning that other pigment types are cost prohibitive for 99% of colored concrete projects.
