Baryte White Pigment

Baryte White is a natural white pigment ground from baryte, a dense barium sulfate mineral. It produces a clean, neutral white with a smooth, heavy texture. It has low hiding power, especially in oil, where it becomes nearly transparent, but in water based binders it gives a soft, bright white.

In use, Baryte White is a classic extender and filler that adds body and stability without changing a color's hue. It is excellent in grounds, in gouache and tempera, and as a matting and bulking agent in oil and encaustic. Barium sulfate is one of the most chemically inert white pigments available: it is insoluble, unaffected by acids, alkalis or light, and compatible with every other pigment.

History

Natural baryte became an important paint material in the 19th century, when it was widely used as an extender and, at times, as an adulterant in lead white. Its synthetic counterpart, blanc fixe, was developed in the same period. Baryte is also the base onto which many lake pigments and the white pigment lithopone are made, and it remains a standard extender in artist paints today.

Pigment Information

Pigment Type: Natural (Inorganic) barium sulfate mineral
Source: Natural baryte (BaSO₄), ground
Origin: U.S.A.
Suitable Mediums: Watercolor, Gouache, Tempera, Casein, Oil, Encaustic, Acrylic, Fresco / Lime, Gesso
Lightfastness: Excellent
Opacity: Semi-opaque in water based media, transparent in oil
Other Names: Barite, Barytes, Heavy Spar, Natural Barium Sulfate, Permanent White
Color Index Code: PW22

Health and Safety

For art use only. Not for cosmetic, food or children's use.
Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not eat, drink or smoke while working.
Avoid creating or breathing dust. Work in a ventilated area and wear a NIOSH approved dust respirator (P100 or better) when handling dry pigment.
Wear gloves and eye protection. Wash hands and work surfaces after use, and never rinse pigment into drains.
Do not spray apply, sand or burn.
If swallowed or if you feel unwell, contact a poison control center (U.S. 1-800-222-1222) or a doctor.
Safety Data Sheet available on request.

Caution: Natural earths and minerals contain crystalline silica (quartz). Breathing the dust over long periods can cause serious lung disease (silicosis) and lung cancer. Always use a dust respirator with the dry pigment.