Natural
dyes can be sorted into three categories: natural dyes obtained from plants
(Indigo), those obtained from animals (cochineal), and those obtained from
minerals (ocher). Although some fabrics such as silk and wool can be colored
simply by being dipped in the dye, others such as cotton require a mordant.
A
mordant is an element, which aids the chemical reaction that takes place
between the dye and the fiber so that the dye is absorbed. Containers used for
dying must be non-reactive (enamel, stainless steel.) brass, copper or iron
pots will do their own mordanting. Not all dyes need mordants, such as lichens
and walnut hulls, they are called substantive dyes. If they do need a mordant,
they are called adjective dyes.