The use of color predates modern humanity. Color options have expanded beyond the umber-ochre color line from the days when it was common to grind pigments with a quartz rock or abalone shell to make paint for body adornment and early cave DIY projects. Unfortunately, grinding pigment is still with us.
Grinding, or dispersing, pigment is a practice critical to a number of industries. In coatings, the dispersion of colored pigments is critical to achieving the desired color, stability and weathering performance properties. The quality of the dispersions also affects the economics of the use of colored pigments. Non-optimal/under-dispersion can lead to decreased tint strength and reduced economic efficiency through higher formulation costs. Going the other way, more grinding costs time and money, with diminishing returns for energy input and tint strength achieved. Most pigments have a point at which their color properties are balanced between color development and processing expenditures.