Color Swatch created using heavy to light application and was applied on 100 lb (163 gsm) drawing paper material.
This color contains the following pigments:
PW18—Calcium Carbonate
Pigment Type
inorganic
Chemical Name
calcium carbonate
Chemical Formula
CaCO3
Properties
Calcium carbonate, the mineral constituent of chalk, is a low tinting strength, inexpensive white pigment that is often used is a buffer and filler. Because of its low tinting strength, it is overwhelmed by other colors. It is used in gesso and other coatings to give the surface more tooth, a desirable characteristic for some painting techniques.
Permanence
Calcium carbonate is lightfast. Like all carbonates, it reacts with strong acids
Toxicity
Calcium carbonate is completely non-toxic, and is used in many food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical products. However, excessive consumption is not recommended.
History
Naturally occuring chalk deposits have been mined since prehistoric times. Rocks and minerals that contain calcium carbonate include aragonite, calcite, vaterite, chalk, limestone. marble, and travertine. Calcium carbonate is the principle component of lime, used in many agricultural and industrial applications.
Alternate Names
Chalk
PW20—Mica
Pigment Type
inorganic
Chemical Name
aluminum silicate
Chemical Formula
H2KAl3(SiO4)3
Properties
An off-white pigment with complex reflective effects, mica is often used with transparent pigments to create mixed pigments with interference and pearlescent effects.
Permanence
Mica is permanent and lightfast.
Toxicity
Although it is completely non-toxic and not bioreactive, fine particles may be irritating. This is of concern primarily for those exposed occupationally to dry mica powder. Breathing mica particles may cause lung fibrosis and pneumoconiosis.
History
Mica has been used as a pigment since prehistoric times.
Alternate Names
n/a
PBk6—Lamp Black
Pigment Type
inorganic
Chemical Name
carbon
Chemical Formula
C
Properties
Lamp black is a very opaque, heavily staining black pigment that does not have much covering power. It is typically the most opaque black in watercolor form. Though a very pure black, it tends to muddy slightly in mixtures, is one of the slowest drying pigments in oils, and should not be used under other colors.
Permanence
Lamp Black is very lightfast and absolutely permanent. It is used in all techniques in permanent painting.
Toxicity
Lamp Black is slightly toxic by skin contact and inhalation. It is a possible human carcinogen.
History
Lamp Black is a carbon based black traditionally produced by collecting soot (known as lampblack) from oil lamps. It is the black found in Egyptian murals and tomb decorations and was the most popular black for frescoing until the development of Mars Black.
Alternate Names
Carbon Black, Channel Black, Oil Black, Vegetable Black. Flame Black is an impure version of Lamp Black.
