Are ultramarines vegan?

Ultramarines are synthetic mineral pigments consisting of complex sodium aluminum sulfosilicates, often identified by the Color Index number CI 77007. Historically derived from the semi-precious stone lapis lazuli, commercial ultramarines today are produced through a thermal chemical process. Manufacturers heat an inorganic mixture of kaolin clay, sodium carbonate, sulfur, and a carbonaceous reducing agent such as charcoal in a high-temperature kiln. Depending on the exact formulation and oxidation levels, the resulting insoluble powder ranges in shade from deep blue to violet, pink, or green.

These pigments appear most frequently in cosmetics, personal care items, and pharmaceuticals, but they also function as color additives in certain dietary supplements, food-contact packaging, and select confectionery products. Ultramarines are classified as vegan because their synthesis relies entirely on geological minerals and inorganic raw materials. No animal-derived ingredients, animal tissues, or animal-based processing aids are utilized at any stage of their production.