In order to test the capacity of pigment samples to produce red hue, two pigment compositions: Mn 2 and Si 2 were chosen for the studies. Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) was used as the polymer matrix for fabricating the pigmented compact. PMMA is a known water soluble polymeric material extensively used for cold extrusion of many inorganic oxides such as alumina and zirconia. The pigment (10 wt.%) was ultrasonicated (Vibronics, 250 W, India) in an alcohol/water (1:4) mixture for 10 min. to ensure complete dispersion of the pigment particles. A viscous solution of PMMA (90 wt.%) was