The basic scheme and rules of applying the heraldic tinctures dates back to the 12th century. The range of tinctures and the manner of depicting and describing them has evolved over time, as new variations and practices have developed. The use of tinctures dates back to the formative period of European heraldry in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. The need to define, depict, and correctly blazon the various tinctures is one of the most important aspects of heraldic art and design. Tincture is the limited palette of colours and patterns used in heraldry. A diagram of various tinctures in heraldry:-First row: Metals Second row: Colours Third row: Stains Fourth row: Nontraditional tinctures
