Gold Pearl Pearlescent Pigment, Natural Mica 10–60μm – KT-300

KT-300 is a gold pearl pearlescent pigment built on natural mica coated with titanium dioxide and iron oxide — the iron oxide component is what separates the KT-300 Gold Series from the KT-200 interference grades, producing a warm gold body color that reads on any substrate without requiring a dark background. At 10–60μm, the particle size delivers a balanced gold pearl: warm, glossy, and three-dimensional in appearance, with a transparency and depth that copper-bronze metallic powders cannot produce. For formulators who need a reliable gold pearl across coatings, cosmetics, nail, soap, and epoxy applications, KT-300 is the standard natural mica specification in this color family.

Gold Pearl vs. Copper Bronze — Why the Material Difference Matters

Copper-bronze metallic powders produce a flat, opaque gold metallic effect — they cover the substrate and reflect light from a single plane. KT-300 produces a translucent, layered gold pearl effect — light passes through the iron oxide-TiO₂ coating layers on each mica platelet, reflects at multiple interfaces, and creates a depth and luminosity that flat metallic powders lack. The effect reads differently at direct and oblique viewing angles, giving finished surfaces a three-dimensional quality.

Unlike KT-200 interference gold (which requires a dark substrate to show color), KT-300's iron oxide coating provides warm gold body color visible on any substrate — dark, light, or white. This makes KT-300 significantly more versatile for formulators who cannot control or guarantee the base color of the substrate.

KT-300 Gold Series: Available Color Range

All KT-300 series grades can be blended with each other to produce intermediate tones and custom golden effects. The iron oxide content increases progressively from gold through to wine red and mauve — blending gold and bronze, for example, produces intermediate warm gold tones not available as a single grade.

Technical Specifications — KT-300 Gold Pearl

Key Technical Characteristics

Iron oxide coating — gold body color on any substrate: The iron oxide layer on each mica platelet absorbs blue-violet wavelengths and reflects warm yellow-gold wavelengths — producing visible gold color regardless of what color the substrate is underneath. This is the fundamental difference from KT-200 interference gold, which requires a dark substrate to suppress complementary wavelengths and reveal the interference color.

Transparency and three-dimensional depth vs. metallic powders: Unlike copper-bronze metallic powders that produce a flat, opaque metallic layer, KT-300 platelets allow partial light transmission through the coating. Light reflects at multiple interfaces within each platelet — the TiO₂ layer, the iron oxide layer, and the mica substrate — creating layered reflections that produce visual depth. The effect is described as three-dimensional because different light paths through the platelet stack create slightly different reflection angles, giving the surface a luminosity that flat metallics lack.

10–60μm — the general-purpose gold pearl grade: At this particle size, KT-300 produces a smooth, balanced gold pearl suitable for cosmetics, nail lacquer, and coating applications where both coverage continuity and visible shimmer are required. For printing ink applications requiring D90 below 25μm, a fine-grade variant is necessary — confirm the D90 from the TDS against your press nozzle specification. For epoxy floor and resin art applications where bold gold sparkle is the target, coarser grades (40–200μm) within the KT-300 series deliver more prominent individual flake reflections.

Application Range

Formulation Notes

Blending within the KT-300 series: All KT-300 gold-family grades share the same mica substrate and TiO₂-iron oxide coating chemistry — they blend predictably with each other. Mixing KT-300 gold pearl with KT-300 bronze pearl in a 70:30 ratio produces a deeper, more antique gold tone. Mixing gold with wine red shifts toward a warm red-gold. Test blends at bench scale before production — small additions shift the tone noticeably given the strong iron oxide tinting strength.

Mixing protocol: Add KT-300 at the letdown stage after high-shear dispersion is complete. Use low-shear paddle mixing. High-shear equipment fractures the mica platelets and reduces D50, which shifts the visual effect from a gold pearl toward a flat, dull gold without the characteristic depth and luster. Do not recirculate through tight-clearance pumps after adding.

Kolortek has supplied the KT-300 Gold Series for over 20 years with consistent iron oxide coating level and D50 particle size distribution across production batches. TDS, SDS, and INCI documentation are available on request. Custom gold tones and particle size grades outside the standard range are available for volume buyers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between KT-300 gold pearl and KT-201 interference gold?
A: KT-300 uses iron oxide in its coating to produce a warm gold body color visible on any substrate, dark or light. KT-201 is an interference pigment — it uses a thick TiO₂ coating to reflect gold-wavelength light through interference, but this effect only works over dark or black substrates where the complementary violet wavelengths are absorbed. Over white or light substrates, KT-201 appears colorless while KT-300 maintains its gold color. Choose KT-300 when you cannot guarantee a dark substrate; choose KT-201 interference gold when maximum chroma and depth over a controlled dark base is the priority.

Q: Why does KT-300 look more transparent than copper-bronze metallic powder?
A: Copper-bronze metallic powders are opaque — they cover the substrate completely with a dense metallic layer that reflects light from a single flat plane. KT-300 mica platelets allow partial light transmission through the TiO₂ and iron oxide coating layers, creating reflections at multiple depths. The result reads as layered and three-dimensional rather than flat — you see depth and luminosity in the gold rather than a mirror-like metallic surface. This is why pearlescent gold pigments are preferred over copper powders in cosmetics and luxury coatings where visual richness matters as much as the gold color itself.

Q: Can KT-300 be used in cosmetic formulations?
A: Yes. KT-300 series grades use iron oxide and TiO₂ colorants on a mica substrate — the same material system used across the cosmetic pigment industry for gold-effect products. INCI documentation is available on request. For cosmetic applications requiring eye-area approval or specific regulatory documentation for EU, US, or other target markets, contact Kolortek to confirm which documentation is available for the specific grade.

Request Samples or Technical Data

Gold pearl character — depth, warmth, and luster intensity — is best evaluated in your own formulation and application system. Contact Kolortek to request a sample of KT-300 or any other grade in the Gold Series, download the TDS with particle size distribution data, or discuss blending options across the series for custom gold tones.