What is a pigment?

A pigment is defined as a fine, solid particle that does not dissolve in a medium. This characteristic is essential because pigments are used in various applications, including painting, printing, and cosmetic products, where the solid particles provide color without altering the clarity or consistency of the liquid they are suspended in. Pigments can be derived from natural sources or manufactured artificially, and they work by absorbing and reflecting specific wavelengths of light, which is how they produce color.

In contrast, colorants that dissolve in liquid would be classified as dyes. Dyes penetrate the medium and change its color, whereas pigments remain distinct and separate. The options referring to glossy finishes or transparent inks focus on other aspects of color applications, rather than the fundamental definition of what a pigment is. Thus, firmly understanding the nature of pigments as solid, non-dissolving particles is crucial for anyone involved in advertising design and color theory.