Ferrous Sulphate (Iron II)

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Also known as copperas, green vitriol, vitriol of Mars, “saddener” (historic dyeing term), ijzersulfaat (Dutch), Eisenvitriol (German), sulfate de fer (French), גופרת ברזל (Hebrew).

Iron (ferrous sulfate) has been used for centuries as both a mordant and a colour modifier in natural dyeing. It is especially valued for its ability to darken and “sadden” colours, shifting bright hues into moody olives, greys, and blacks, while also improving lightfastness and washfastness.

Historical Note
Medieval and Renaissance dyers relied heavily on iron. Recipes for durable black dyes often combined iron with tannin-rich materials such as oak gall, myrobalan, or cutch, producing long-lasting shades of black and grey. In many old dye books, iron is described as a “saddener”, a material that dulls and deepens colours, muting brilliance into earthy tones. It was (and is) one of the most important modifiers in European, Middle Eastern, and Asian traditions of textile dyeing.

Chemical Formula
FeSO₄·7H₂O

CI Reference
Not classified as a dye; used as a mordant/assist.

Shading Tips

With yellows (weld, fustic, pomegranate) olive greens
With reds (madder, cochineal, lac) purples, browns, near-blacks
With tannins (myrobalan, gallnut, cutch) deep greys and blacks
Post-mordanting darkens and saddens existing shades

Safety & handling

For textile dyeing and craft use only. Not for food, cosmetic, medical or household-cleaning use.

Hazard warning: Harmful if swallowed. Dust and solutions can irritate skin and may cause serious eye injury.
Use sparingly: excessive iron can weaken fibres and damage textiles.
Do not release concentrated product or spent baths into drains, soil or waterways.
Keep out of reach of children and pets.
Avoid creating or breathing dust. Measure carefully in a well-ventilated work area and use suitable respiratory protection for fine particulates when dust cannot be avoided.
Wear suitable protective gloves, protective clothing and eye protection. Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
Do not eat, drink or smoke while using this product. Use dedicated tools and containers that will never be used for food.
Store tightly closed, dry, clearly labelled and away from food, drink and incompatible materials.
Eyes: Rinse cautiously with clean water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if easy to do and continue rinsing. Seek urgent medical advice for persistent irritation, pain or impaired vision.
Swallowed or inhaled: Move to fresh air after inhalation. If swallowed, rinse the mouth and contact a poison centre or medical professional; do not induce vomiting unless instructed.

Important: Follow the package label and the current Safety Data Sheet for the exact product. Formal hazard classification can depend on chemical form, hydration, purity and composition. For the latest safety documentation, contact info@naturaldyestore.com.

Seller and safety contact: Natural Dye Store, Derech HaMaccabim 58, Rishon LeZion, Israel · info@naturaldyestore.com

Typical WOF: 1–4% (use sparingly, as iron can weaken fibers)

Preparation: Dissolve powder fully in warm water before adding to the bath

Application:
– Add directly to the dye bath for muted tones
– Use as an after-bath modifier to shift colors

Fiber caution: Excess iron may make protein fibers brittle; always rinse well after use

For dyeing use only — not for food, cosmetic, or medical applications
Wear gloves and protective eyewear when handling
Avoid inhalation of dust; use in a well-ventilated area
Store in a cool, dry place, sealed to prevent moisture absorption
Dispose of solutions responsibly according to local environmental regulations
Keep out of reach of children and pets

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Reseal tightly after use.

Naturally derived and carefully processed from trusted sources to ensure safe use in dyeing and textile applications.

This product complies with the General Product Safety Regulation (EU) 2023/988 (GPSR).

Packed and distributed by The Natural Dye Store, eHouse Rishon, Derech HaMaccabim 58, 7535998 Rishon LeZion, Israel. Contact: Suzanne Tamar Dekel, info@naturaldyestore.com, +972 52-541-0033.