TOISON D"OR 8500 round soft pastels represent a traditional product of the company KOH-I-NOOR HARDTMUTH. They are popular amongst artists thanks to the high quality of all their components, the long-term research of ingredients and a thorough following of the prescribed production procedures. The colour range of these pastels is very wide.The key components of the cakes are very pure micro-pulverized natural substances on a base of calcium carbonate. This is either calcite mineral or chalk. Together with other additives and binding agents it creates a basic mixture, into which colour pigments are carefully mixed. The pigments are purchased from renowned manufacturers all over the world. Their quality, light permanency and dosed concentration influence the final result as well as the durability of the artworks.The minimum content of binding elements ensures a very simple and silky stroke on paper or another medium. The low adhesion to the medium allows toning and the creation of simple crossing. The basic characteristic of round soft pastels is simple distribution in a sufficient quantity within the appropriate medium, which allows the subsequent distribution of colour dust particles. This technique provides unlimited possibilities of change of the richness and tone. With the amount of distribution we can achieve shading of the drawing more simply. After finalization of the artwork, the use of a preparation fixative is recommended (prevents subsequent blurring).No component used in production contains toxic or otherwise harmful substances and the final product is therefore suitable for all age categories.