An implement for drawing that contains a rod of pigments or dyes, known as “colorants,” mixed with fillers (including kaolin, chalk, or talc), synthetic resin, and wax and encased in wood or paper. A limited palette of colored pencils was first developed in the early 19th century. Modern synthetic dyes and pigments have greatly expanded the range of colored pencils available, but some of these colorants are unstable and prone to fading.