Cochineal Powder
 
Cochineal is one of the most expensive and precious of the natural dyes. 
It is derived from a scale insect (Dactylopus coccus) which feeds on a cactus in arid areas of mid and South America. lt is one of the most concentrated dyes, and will dye pink through to raspberry. It is pH sensitive and adding cream of tartar shifts the colour to a lovely warm pink. Use distilled water for mordanting and dyeing if you live in a hard water area to obtain the brightest shades. 
 
10g cochineal powder with alum mordant dyes 400g wool to its darkest value.