Where does ochre originally come from?

Ochre is a natural clay earth pigment that comes from iron oxide, which can be found in various locations around the world. It is typically sourced from regions with rich deposits of iron-bearing minerals, such as ochre pits or riverbanks. Historically, ochre has been used by various cultures for art, decoration, and even as a pigment in cave paintings, with some of the oldest known examples found in Africa and Europe. Its distinctive colors, ranging from yellow to red to brown, depend on the type and amount of iron oxide present.