PV15—Ultramarine Violet

Pigment Type

inorganic

Chemical Name

complex silicate of sodium and aluminum with sulfur

Chemical Formula

H₂Na_(4-6)Al₆Si₆O₂₄S₂

Properties

Ultramarine Violet is a semi-transparent, dull purple to pale violet with low tinting strength. As a pigment, it is weak in most oil applications, but it performs better in water-based mediums, pastels, and chalks. It is generally the bluest of the violet pigments, although there can be significant differences in color across brands. It is not suitable for fresco work and does not mix well with yellows. Ultramarine Violet is a variant of Ultramarine Blue, and their pigment properties are identical.

Permanence

Ultramarine Violet has excellent permanence and lightfastness.

Toxicity

Ultramarine Violet has no significant hazards.

History

Unknown.

Alternate Names

Mineral Violet, Violet Ultramarine, Ultramarine Red.