Here is a list of 20 unusual colours used by Artists over time, some you might not have heard of.

The history of unusual paint colours used by artists is a fascinating subject. These unusual paint colours not only offer insight into the artistic practices of different eras but also reflect the resourcefulness and creativity of artists who sought to expand their palettes with novel and sometimes unconventional pigments.

1. Mummy Brown: This colour was derived from ground-up mummies (yes, actual human and animal mummies) and was used by artists in the 16th and 17th centuries. It had a rich brown hue and was believed to possess mystical properties.

2. Scheele's Green: Developed in the 18th century, this vivid green pigment contained copper arsenite. Unfortunately, it was highly toxic due to its arsenic content, causing health issues for artists and even those who displayed artworks containing it.

3. Indian Yellow: Made from the urine of cows fed on a special diet of mango leaves, Indian Yellow was a warm and transparent pigment popular in the 19th century. Its unusual origin raised ethical concerns among artists.

4. Manganese Violet: A vibrant purple pigment, Manganese Violet was developed in the 19th century. It offered artists a unique and intense purple colour, adding variety to their palettes.

5. Dragon's Blood Red: This pigment, obtained from the resin of certain plants, was used in ancient times. It had a rich red hue and was valued for its transparency and durability.

6. Han Purple: Created in ancient China, Han Purple was a synthetic pigment made from barium copper silicates. It was used to paint ceramics and sculptures and has been found on artifacts dating back over 2,000 years.

7. Tyrian Purple: Also known as "royal purple," this colour was derived from the secretions of certain molluscs. It was incredibly expensive to produce, making it a symbol of royalty and luxury in ancient civilizations.

8. Mars Black: While black might not seem unusual, the synthetic pigment Mars Black, developed in the 20th century, revolutionized the way artists used black. Its high tinting strength and consistency made it a staple in modern art.

9. Rose Madder: Extracted from the roots of the madder plant, this pigment has been used for centuries to create a range of pink and red hues. Its organic origin and delicate colour make it intriguing.

10. YInMn Blue: Discovered in 2009, this vibrant blue pigment was accidentally created by scientists. Its name is derived from its elemental components: yttrium, indium, and manganese. It gained attention for its striking and unique shade.

11. Orpiment: A bright yellow pigment derived from arsenic trisulfide, Orpiment was used in ancient Egypt and throughout the Middle Ages. However, its toxicity limited its popularity.

12. Lead White: While white might seem common, Lead White had a unique role in art history. This lead carbonate pigment was used by artists for centuries until its toxic nature became widely known.

13. Ultramarine: Made from lapis lazuli, a rare and precious stone, Ultramarine was one of the most expensive pigments in history. It was prized for its intense blue colour and was often reserved for depicting the robes of the Virgin Mary in religious art.

14. Verdigris: A green pigment made by corroding copper, Verdigris was used by ancient civilizations and continued to be popular throughout the Renaissance. It was later replaced by safer alternatives due to its corrosive properties.

15. Chrome Yellow: Developed in the 19th century, this bright yellow pigment was derived from lead chromate. It was widely used in Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art, but its lead content raised health concerns.

16. Caput Mortuum: Translating to "dead head" in Latin, this pigment was created by heating iron oxide-rich substances. It produced a range of deep red and brown shades and was popular in medieval and Renaissance art.

17. Cadmium Red: Discovered in the 19th century, Cadmium Red provided artists with a brilliant, stable red colour. However, its cadmium content raised health and environmental concerns.

18. Naples Yellow: A lead antimonate pigment, Naples Yellow offered warm yellow and brown hues. It was used by artists like Vincent van Gogh and Diego Velázquez.

19. Cerulean Blue: Developed in the 19th century, Cerulean Blue provided artists with a soft and tranquil blue colour. It became particularly popular in landscape painting.

20. Bismuth Vanadate Yellow: This modern synthetic yellow pigment is known for its high opacity and resistance to fading. It has been used in various applications, including contemporary artworks.