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Carmine
#960018 · click to copy
Warm
HEX
#960018
RGB
150, 0, 24
CMYK
0%, 100%, 84%, 41%
Pigment
NR4, PR83
Lightfastness
Poor (IV) — natural carmine fades significantly; alizarin crimson (PR83) rates III–IV
Moods & Keywords
red
deep
royal
ceremonial
rich
Pigment & Material
NR4, PR83
Natural
Carminic acid from female cochineal insects (Dactylopius coccus). 70,000 insects per pound of dye.
Origin & History
Carmine has been used since ancient times. The Aztecs had been producing cochineal dye for centuries before Spanish conquistadors discovered it in the 1500s and brought it to Europe, where it became more valuable than gold by weight. It displaced kermes as the primary red dye for luxury textiles across Europe.
Also Known As
Cochineal Red
Lac Dye
Kermes
Rouge Carmin
Psychology
Rich, velvety, and aristocratic. Carmine sits between red and pink — it carries both passion and refinement. Unlike the aggression of pure red, carmine feels more introspective and sensual. It is the red of theatre curtains and old roses.
In Culture
Historically the most important red dye in the world. Used to colour the robes of cardinals, British redcoats, and Persian carpets. Still used today as a food colouring (E120) in yoghurt, sweets, and cosmetics. Controversy around its use in food has grown among vegans as it is derived from insects.
Natural Sources
Cochineal insects (Dactylopius coccus) — farmed primarily in Mexico, Peru, and the Canary Islands. 70,000 insects yield approximately 1 pound of carmine dye. Also historically from lac insects (Kerria lacca) in India.
Making It Yourself
Natural carmine dye:
1. Purchase dried cochineal insects (available online)
2. Grind to fine powder
3. Dissolve in hot water with a splash of white vinegar
4. Add alum (10% weight of insects) as mordant
5. Simmer 30 min, strain
Result: intense crimson-pink dye for watercolour or fabric
Add ammonia to shift toward purple; add acid (vinegar) for brighter red.
1. Purchase dried cochineal insects (available online)
2. Grind to fine powder
3. Dissolve in hot water with a splash of white vinegar
4. Add alum (10% weight of insects) as mordant
5. Simmer 30 min, strain
Result: intense crimson-pink dye for watercolour or fabric
Add ammonia to shift toward purple; add acid (vinegar) for brighter red.
Art Movements
Baroque
Rococo
Renaissance Painting
Famous Works
Girl with a Pearl Earring
Johannes Vermeer, c.1665
The Swing
Jean-Honoré Fragonard, 1767
Madonna of the Carnation
Leonardo da Vinci, c.1478
Available As
Winsor & Newton — Alizarin Crimson (PR83) — note: poor lightfastness
Daniel Smith — Quinacridone Rose (PV19) — lightfast alternative
Sennelier — Carmine (NR4)
M. Graham — Carmine
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Colour data compiled with AI. Spot an error or have more to add? Leave a Note — ekphra reviews and updates.
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