Analytical methods of mineralogy are applicable to the detailed characterization of pigments. Composition can be determined by emission spectrography, flame photometry, atomic absorption spectrography, X-ray fluorescence and neutron activation. Origin and condition of formation can be determined by trace elments analysis and by study of isotope ratios. Optical properties can be studied on cross-sections or thin-sections (which can also be studied with electron microprobe or by laser technique applied to emission spectrography, by phase contrast and fluorescene microscopy, determination of refractive index, appearance in polarized light, and by the electron microscope. Structural properties can be determined by X-ray diffraction and infrared absorption analysis. Examples of applications of these techniques to some specific pigments are given.