Volkonskoite Pigment
Volkonskoite is a chromium-bearing mineral found in clay-bearing sandstones. We get our deep forest green pigment from mineral sources near the village of Efimiata in the Perm Basin, Russia. Learn more.
Volkonskoite is a chromium-bearing mineral that is part of the smectite group, a clay mineral found in sandstones, conglomerates, and red beds, commonly filling voids from the decomposition of organic material. The largest deposit of volkonskoite is found in Mt. Efimiatsk and elsewhere in the Okhansk region, Middle Kama River area, Perm Basin, Ural Mountains, Russia. We get our pigment from mineral sources near the village of Efimiata in the Perm Basin. Its masstone varies from olive green to bright emerald green. Ours is a deep forest green edging towards an olive green. Usually, the mineral is free from impurities and is ready for use as a pigment without much preparation.
| Pigment Names | |||||||
| Common Names (mineral): | English: volkonskoite French: volkonskoïte German: Volkonskoit Italian: volkonskoite Spanish: volkonskoita | ||||||
| Synonyms: | English: Wolchonskoite French: German: Italian: | ||||||
| Nomenclature: |
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| Pigment Information | |
| Color: | Green |
| Pigment Classification: | Natural Inorganic |
| Colour Index: | Not Listed |
| Chemical Name: | Hydrated Calcium Chromium Magnesium Iron Silicate Hydroxide |
| Chemical Formula: | Ca0,3(Cr+3,Mg,Fe+3)2(Si,Al)4O10(OH)2*4H2O |
| CAS No.: | 1318-00-9 |
| Series No.: | 7 |
| ASTM Lightfastness | |
| Acrylic: | Not Listed |
| Oil: | Not Listed |
| Watercolor: | Not Listed |
| Physical Properties | |
| Particle Size (mean): | 12 microns |
| Density: | 2.11–2.36 g/cm3 |
| Hardness: | 1.5–2.0 |
| Refractive Index: | 1.551–1.569 |
| Oil Absorption: | 32 grams oil / 100 grams pigment |
| Health and Safety | There are no acute or known chronic health hazards associated with the anticipated use of this product (most chemicals are not fully tested for chronic toxicity). Always protect yourself against potentially unknown chronic hazards of this and other chemical products by keeping them out of your body. Do this by avoiding ingestion, excessive skin contact, and inhalation of spraying mists, sanding dusts and vapors from heating. Conforms to ASTM D-4236. |
For a detailed explanation of the terms in the table above, please visit Composition and Permanence.
Origin and History
There is little known about the use of this pigment in ancient art. There is some evidence of a green chromium oxide pigment in some European works from the Renaissance. Pablo Picasso especially liked this pigment, which he imported from the former Soviet Union.
The pigment was named for Prince A. Volkonskoi, Minister of the Imperial Court, Russia, in the 19th century.
Source
We obtain our deep forest green pigment from mineral sources near the village of Efimiata in the Perm Basin, Russia.
Permanence and Compatibility
Volkonskoite is considered to be a permanent pigment. It is unaffected by exposure to light. There are no known incompatibilities with other pigments and paint binders.
Oil Absorption and Grinding
No data has been published on the oil absorption properties of volkonskoite. A unique characteristic of the mineral volkonskoite is its high adhesive property, which complicates pulverizing it for use as a pigment. One method to eliminate this difficulty is to add a small amount of quartz to volkonskoite while grinding or mulling the mineral. The addition of quartz does not detract from its qualities as one of best green pigments to use in glazes.
Toxicity
Volkonskoite is not considered toxic but care should be used in handling the dry powder pigment so as not to inhale the dust.
For more information on how to handle pigments safely, please visit How to Safely Handle Art Materials and Pigments.
| SKU | 420-25 |
|---|---|
| Brand | Rublev Colours |
| Vendor | Rublev Colours |
| Processing Time | Usually ships the next business day. |
| Color | Green |
| Pigment Type | Inorganic, Historical, Natural |
Health & Safety: There are no acute or known chronic health hazards with the anticipated use of this product (most chemicals are not thoroughly tested for chronic toxicity). Protect yourself against potentially unknown chronic hazards of this and other chemical products by avoiding ingestion, excessive skin contact, and inhaling spraying mists, sanding dust, and concentrated vapors from heating. Contact us for further information or consult the SDS for more information. Conforms to ASTM D-4236.
