100,000 Years - Present Pigment Timeline
Red ochre (hematite) found in Blombos Cave, South Africa, was the first pigment used by humans. The origin of early human art.
Ultramarine, once more expensive than gold, was successfully synthesized. The blue of Vermeer's 'Girl with a Pearl Earring' became accessible to everyone.
Discovered by accident by dye-maker Diesbach. Hokusai's 'The Great Wave off Kanagawa' was painted with this Prussian Blue.