A type of white pigment used in printing inks that does not reflect light, but rather allows light to pass through it. The most significant use for transparent pigments is to "extend" pigments of other colors, thus reducing the cost of more expensive pigments and substances. (Hence, transparent pigments are also called extender pigments.) Transparent white pigments are also used to tint other color inks, to decrease the color strength of other pigments, and assist in the dispersal of particles of other pigments. Commonly used transparent white pigments include alumina hydrate (sometimes called simply "hydrate"), magnesium carbonate (sometimes called simply "magnesia"), calcium carbonate, blanc fixe, barytes, and clays. (See also Opaque Pigments and White Pigments.) In screen printing, a transparent pigment is known as an extender base.
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