Inktend / Ink library / Black
Cross
Black
Blacks & greys
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Cross's core ink line supports its long-running cartridge and converter pen collections.
Specs
Color familyBlacks & greys
Approx. hex#1E1E1E
SheenNot typically noted
BrandCross
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About Cross
Founded in Providence, Rhode Island in 1846, Cross is one of the oldest American writing instrument makers, historically better known for ballpoints than fountain pens.
United States
Founded 1846
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Paper & pairing notes
As a near-neutral tone, it reads as professional and safe for anything from journaling to signatures. This ink will behave predictably on most fountain-pen-friendly paper. Cheap, highly absorbent paper (standard copier paper) will dull any ink's saturation and can cause feathering or bleed-through with wetter nibs.
Storing and using the bottle
Bottled fountain pen ink has an effectively long shelf life when kept capped and out of direct sunlight — most inks remain usable for years. The main risk isn't the ink spoiling, it's a pen sitting inked and unused for weeks: that's what causes clogs, not the ink's age.
Frequently asked questions
What color family is Black?
Black falls into Inktend's blacks & greys family based on its typical swatch color.
Does Black have sheen?
Black is not typically noted for sheen. If you want that effect, browse similarly colored inks tagged with sheen in the ink library.
How should I store a bottle of Black?
Bottled fountain pen ink has an effectively long shelf life when kept capped and out of direct sunlight — most inks remain usable for years. The main risk isn't the ink spoiling, it's a pen sitting inked and unused for weeks: that's what causes clogs, not the ink's age.
What paper works best with Black?
As a near-neutral tone, it reads as professional and safe for anything from journaling to signatures. This ink will behave predictably on most fountain-pen-friendly paper. Cheap, highly absorbent paper (standard copier paper) will dull any ink's saturation and can cause feathering or bleed-through with wetter nibs.
Similar shades
Color shown is a close digital approximation of a typical swatch, not a calibrated color match.