Chrome Yellow

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Description

Chrome Yellow is a vivid, opaque yellow pigment made from lead chromate (PbCrO₄). Depending on its formulation and particle size, it ranges from bright lemon yellow to deep golden yellow. Known for its brilliance and strong covering power, Chrome Yellow was one of the most important yellows of the 19th century, used by both fine artists and industry before its hazards were fully understood.

In use, it offers high opacity, strong tinting strength, and clean mixtures with earths and other mineral pigments. In watercolor it can appear flat and dense, while in oils and acrylics it yields warm, glowing yellows that remain powerful even in thin layers.

History

Chrome Yellow was first introduced around 1809, soon after the discovery of chromium. Its striking intensity quickly made it a favorite among painters, replacing traditional yellows such as orpiment and gamboge, which were either less stable or more difficult to prepare. In the pictured artwork 'A Wheatfield with Cypresses' by Van Gogh, chrome yellow is used to create the brilliant gold of the wheatfields.

By the mid-19th century, Chrome Yellow was used extensively in Impressionist and Post-Impressionist palettes. Vincent van Gogh, for example, relied heavily on it in works such as Sunflowers. However, the pigment was prone to darkening and browning due to chemical reactions with sulfur compounds and atmospheric pollution.

Industrial uses also flourished: Chrome Yellow appeared in paints, enamels, and even school buses in the 20th century. Eventually, its high toxicity (due to both lead and hexavalent chromium) led to it being phased out, replaced by safer cadmium yellows and synthetic organic alternatives.

Health and Safety

Warnings:

CANCER AGENT.

INHALATION MAY PRODUCE CANCER.

EXPOSURE MAY CAUSE HARM TO THE PREGNANT PEOPLE OR DEVELOPING FETUS.

INHALATION MAY CAUSE LUNG DAMAGE.

CONTAINS LEAD AND CHROMIUM.

Precautions:

Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Do not consume.

Not for cosmetic or food usage.

Do not spray apply.

For further health information contact a poison control center.

Use care when handling dry pigments and avoid dust formation.

Use particular caution with fibrous, fine, or toxic pigments.

Do not eat, drink, or smoke near dry pigments.

Avoid breathing in pigment dust and use a NIOSH-certified dust respirator with sufficient rating for dry pigment.

Wash hands immediately after use or handling.

If dust is likely, always wear protective clothing to keep out of eyes, lungs, off skin, and out of any contact as well as keep area ventilated.

This product may contain chemicals known by the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or reproductive harm.

Warnings and bottle information are abbreviated.

Pigment Information

Pigment Type: Synthetic Inorganic

Chemical Composition: PbCrO₄ (Lead Chromate)

Suitable Mediums: Watercolor, Oil, Tempera, Acrylic

Lightfastness: Moderate (prone to darkening)

Opacity: Opaque

Other Names: Chrome Yellow, Chromate Yellow, Paris Yellow, King’s Yellow (sometimes confused with arsenic pigment)

Color Index Code: PY34

Image: 'A Wheatfield with Cypresses' by Van Gogh from the National Gallery