Bronze Metallic Mica Powder, Natural Mica 10–60μm – KT-500

KT-500 is a Bronze natural mica metallic pigment in the 10–60μm particle size range — a mica flake coated with iron oxide (Fe₂O₃) that produces a warm bronze metallic luster with strong opacifying/concealing properties and high chemical and physical stability. Unlike the KT-300 Gold Series which combines TiO₂ and iron oxide for a pearlescent gold effect, the KT-500 Metal Luster Series uses iron oxide alone on the mica substrate — producing a more opaque, warm metallic character with higher covering power and a distinctly different visual weight. At 10–60μm, KT-500 covers coatings, cosmetics, nail lacquer, soap, epoxy, and decorative craft applications from a single grade.

Metal Luster Series — Color Tone Progression (KT-500, Natural Mica)

The KT-500 Metal Luster Series produces different tones by controlling the iron oxide coating thickness on the mica flake. Thinner coatings produce lighter bronze; progressively thicker coatings shift the color toward red-brown, wine red, mauve, coffee, and green-brown. All grades use only Mica and Iron Oxide — no TiO₂ — which gives the series its characteristic warm metallic opacity.

All KT-500 natural mica Metal Luster grades use Mica and Iron Oxide only (no TiO₂). For higher purity, fewer dark mineral inclusions, or processing above ~500°C, specify the KT-7500 synthetic Fluorphlogopite series: KT-7511 Bronze / KT-7512 Brown Red / KT-7513 Wine Red (10–60μm).

Technical Specifications — KT-500

Key Technical Characteristics

Iron oxide only — opaque metallic luster vs. transparent pearl: The absence of TiO₂ in KT-500's coating is the defining technical difference from the KT-300 Gold Series. TiO₂ increases both reflectivity and transparency — the KT-300 grades produce a translucent pearl with depth. KT-500 uses iron oxide alone, which is more absorptive and opaque — producing a warm, matte-metallic character with stronger covering power. Formulators choose KT-500 when an opaque bronze metallic effect is required; KT-300 when a luminous, three-dimensional gold pearl is the target.

Strong concealing property — relevant for coatings and cosmetics: The opaque iron oxide coating gives KT-500 significantly higher hiding power than standard TiO₂-coated pearl grades. In decorative coatings and wall finishes, this means lower loading levels can achieve substrate coverage. In pressed powder cosmetics, the metallic luster with opacity contributes both color and coverage function simultaneously — reducing the need for separate TiO₂ loading in some formulations.

Chemical and physical stability — broad application compatibility: Iron oxide coatings on mica are chemically inert across the pH range of most cosmetic, coating, and soap formulations. KT-500 is stable in mildly acidic, neutral, and alkaline systems — including cold process soap at high pH. Physical stability under normal coating and resin processing temperatures means the pigment can be incorporated into standard formulation processes without special handling.

Tone control within the series: Within the KT-500 range, moving from Bronze (KT-500) to Red Brown (KT-502) to Wine Red (KT-504) represents a progressive increase in iron oxide coating thickness. All grades are blend-compatible. Mixing KT-500 Bronze with KT-502 Red Brown produces intermediate warm-bronze tones. Kolortek's 20 years of consistent iron oxide coating control means blend ratios developed at bench scale reproduce reliably across production batches.

Application Range

Formulation Notes

Low-shear mixing — standard protocol for all mica-based pigments: Add KT-500 at the letdown stage after all high-shear dispersion steps are complete. Use low-shear paddle or anchor mixing. High-shear equipment fractures mica platelets and reduces D50, which diminishes the metallic luster intensity and shifts the visual output toward a flat, matte brown rather than a structured metallic bronze.

Particle size selection across the KT-500 range: KT-520 Satin Bronze (5–25μm) suits printing ink and fine cosmetic applications. KT-500 Bronze (10–60μm) is the general-purpose grade for coatings, nail, soap, and standard cosmetics. KT-530 Flash Bronze (10–100μm) suits epoxy floors and decorative applications where bolder sparkle is required. All three deliver the same Bronze color tone from the same iron oxide coating chemistry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between KT-500 Metal Luster Bronze and KT-300 Gold Pearl?
A: KT-500 contains only Mica and Iron Oxide — no TiO₂. KT-300 Gold Pearl contains Mica, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxide, and Tin Oxide. The TiO₂ in KT-300 makes it more reflective and translucent — producing a luminous, three-dimensional gold pearl effect. KT-500 without TiO₂ has higher iron oxide opacity, stronger covering power, and a warmer metallic character that reads as bronze rather than gold pearl. Choose KT-500 for opaque warm metallic coverage; choose KT-300 for transparent gold pearl depth.

Q: Can KT-500 Bronze be used in cosmetic formulations?
A: Yes. Iron oxide-coated mica pigments are widely used in cosmetic bronzers, eye shadows, and pressed powders. INCI documentation is available from Kolortek on request. For specific cosmetic markets (EU, FDA, etc.), confirm the appropriate regulatory documentation with the Kolortek technical team before production specification.

Q: When should I specify KT-7511 synthetic mica Bronze instead of KT-500?
A: KT-7511 (Fluorphlogopite, Iron Oxide, 10–60μm) is the synthetic mica equivalent of KT-500. Choose KT-7511 when substrate purity is critical — synthetic mica has fewer visible mineral inclusions (dark spots) than natural mica, which is relevant for prestige cosmetics and high-gloss finishes examined at close range. KT-7511 also offers higher thermal stability above approximately 500°C, relevant for plastics processing. For standard coatings, soap, and general cosmetic applications, KT-500 natural mica is adequate and more cost-effective.

Request Samples or Technical Data

Bronze metallic luster character — opacity, warmth, and coverage — is best evaluated in your specific application system. Contact Kolortek to request a sample of KT-500 or comparative samples across the KT-500 Metal Luster color range, download the TDS, or discuss particle size grade selection and synthetic mica alternatives for your formulation requirements.