Ochre
Ochre (spelled Ocher in American engllsh) normally refers to a pigment associated with natural earth because it consists of a clay base which has a range of colours described as yellow ochre, red ochre, brown ochre, purple ochre, sienna ochre and umber ochre.
A yellow ochre, is yellow from the mineral goethite, an iron oxide hydroxide (limonite). Red ochre, takes its red colour from the mineral hematite, which is an anhydrous iron oxide. Brown ochre, takes its colour from goethite, a partly hydrated iron oxide. Whilst sienna and umber ochres take their colours from differing amounts of manganese oxide.
The use of red ochre pigments have been dated by archaeologists as early as 300,000 years ago, around the time of the emergence of Homo sapiens. The use
Featured articles and news
Inspiring the next generation to fulfil an electrified future
Technical Manager at ECA on the importance of engagement between industry and education.
Repairing historic stone and slate roofs
The need for a code of practice and technical advice note.
Environmental compliance; a checklist for 2026
Legislative changes, policy shifts, phased rollouts, and compliance updates to be aware of.
UKCW London to tackle sector’s most pressing issues
AI and skills development, ecology and the environment, policy and planning and more.
Managing building safety risks
Across an existing residential portfolio; a client's perspective.
ECA support for Gate Safe’s Safe School Gates Campaign.
Core construction skills explained
Preparing for a career in construction.
Retrofitting for resilience with the Leicester Resilience Hub
Community-serving facilities, enhanced as support and essential services for climate-related disruptions.
Some of the articles relating to water, here to browse. Any missing?
Recognisable Gothic characters, designed to dramatically spout water away from buildings.
A case study and a warning to would-be developers
Creating four dwellings... after half a century of doing this job, why, oh why, is it so difficult?
Reform of the fire engineering profession
Fire Engineers Advisory Panel: Authoritative Statement, reactions and next steps.
Restoration and renewal of the Palace of Westminster
A complex project of cultural significance from full decant to EMI, opportunities and a potential a way forward.
Apprenticeships and the responsibility we share
Perspectives from the CIOB President as National Apprentice Week comes to a close.
The first line of defence against rain, wind and snow.
Building Safety recap January, 2026
What we missed at the end of last year, and at the start of this.