Cadmium Orange Pigment

Description

Cadmium Orange is a vivid, opaque orange pigment produced by co-precipitating cadmium sulfide (CdS) with cadmium selenide (CdSe). Its hue ranges from bright tangerine to deep burnt orange depending on the ratio of sulfide to selenide. Known for its incredible intensity, opacity, and permanence, Cadmium Orange has been a cornerstone of the modern artist's palette since the early 20th century.

It offers strong tinting strength, brilliant saturation, and smooth handling qualities. In watercolors, it granulates minimally and provides a strong, clean wash. In oils and acrylics, it delivers high covering power and mixes beautifully into warm reds and muted earth tones.

History

Cadmium pigments were first developed in the mid-19th century but became widely available to artists in the early 20th century. Cadmium Orange quickly gained popularity as a stable alternative to more fugitive organic oranges and the toxic but unstable Chrome Oranges (lead chromates).

It was particularly embraced by the Fauves, Impressionists, and Expressionists for its brilliance and strength. Artists such as Henri Matisse and Edvard Munch exploited its vibrant warmth in bold color compositions. Its permanence and opacity also made it favored in academic painting for underpainting and flesh tones. In the pictured artwork "Bordighera" by Claude Monet, Cadmium Orange and Yellow are used throughout the beautiful foliage to capture the brilliant rays of sunlight.

Though expensive, Cadmium Orange became an essential modern pigment, prized both for its purity of color and archival stability.

Pigment Information

Pigment Type: Synthetic Inorganic
Chemical Composition: Cadmium Sulfide (CdS) with Cadmium Selenide (CdSe)
Suitable Mediums: Watercolor, Oil, Tempera, Acrylic, Encaustic
Lightfastness: Excellent
Opacity: Opaque
Other Names: Cadmium Sulfoselenide Orange, Permanent Orange, Cadmium Scarlet (for redder variants)
Color Index Code: PO20
Image: 'Bordighera' by Monet from the Potter Palmer Collection of the Art Institute of Chicago

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: Contains cadmium. May cause cancer if dust is inhaled. Causes damage to the kidneys and lungs through prolonged or repeated exposure. Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child. Avoid all dust. Not for use by children or by anyone pregnant. Never sand, spray, burn or heat dry paint. Do not rinse into drains. Wear a P100 respirator (full face, or half face with goggles) when handling the dry pigment; N95 and P95 masks are not sufficient.

WARNING: This product can expose you to cadmium, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.