The destructive action of chemicals makes the nature of the structural material used in the dye industry a matter of prime importance. From time to time it becomes necessary to decide what material is to be used, and experience, or, if one may say so, chemical instinct, must be called upon for guidance.

The materials used in colour technology may be divided into Inorganic and Organic. The Inorganic may be subdivided into Metals and Non-metals, and the Organic into Natural and Artificial.