======The Rule of Tincture======

The rule of tincture is the most important rule in heraldry. 

=== Definition ===

It is very simple: "Color shall not be placed on color, nor shall metal be placed on metal." However, it is not absolute, and can often be regarded as a guideline rather than a strict rule.

=== Metals and Colours ===

The two metals are silver (white) and gold (yellow). The four colours are red, blue, black, and green.

=== Furs ===

Furs are neither colors nor metals:  A fur can be placed on a color, metal, or another fur.
Furthermore, red can be counted as copper, and as such be placed next to a(nother) colour. 

=== Special cases ===

Certain blatant violations of the rule are used to denote exceptionally holy status (e.g. the arms of the Kingdom of Jerusalem, Vatican City, and the Holy See.)

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