Yes, natural rubber in its initial form is white.
Understanding Natural Rubber's Color
Natural rubber originates from the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) as a milky liquid called latex. This latex is harvested by making incisions in the tree bark, a process known as tapping.
The Color of Latex
According to the provided reference, natural rubber exits the tree as a white, milky latex. The reference explicitly states, "Unless the latex is contaminated, that means the natural color of rubber straight from the tree is white."
- Initial Form: White, milky liquid (latex)
- Harvesting: Tapped from rubber trees
- Natural State: White, assuming no contamination
This means that the raw material, the latex drawn directly from the tree, has a white appearance.
While processed rubber products can come in various colors due to added pigments, the natural state of the raw rubber material is white.
