On the whole, French heraldry is known for its use of "azure" and "or", while English heraldry is characterized by heavy use of "gules" and "argent", and unlike French heraldry, it has always made regular use of "vert", and occasional, if not extensive, use of "purpure". German heraldry is known for its extensive use of "or" and "sable". German and Nordic heraldry rarely make use of "purpure" or "ermine", except in mantling, pavilions, and the lining of crowns and caps. In fact, furs occur infrequently in German and Nordic heraldry.