Cobalt Cerulean

Description

Cobalt Cerulean is a handmade natural single-pigment blue made from cobalt chromate, a complex compound of cobalt and chrome oxides. Originally developed in the 19th century, this pigment is known for its vibrant, slightly greenish-blue hue, offering excellent brightness and clarity. Unlike synthetic blues, Cobalt Cerulean has a very subtle granulation that adds texture and depth to paintings.

Cobalt Cerulean produces a vibrant, cool blue with a slightly green undertone, making it ideal for skies, water, and atmospheric effects in painting. It has strong tinting strength without overpowering other colors, and it mixes well to create soft greens and complex cool tones. This pigment is highly lightfast, exceptionally durable, and resistant to chemical reactions in various mediums, making it a favored choice for artists who require long-lasting colors.

History

Cobalt-based pigments have been used since ancient times, but Cobalt Cerulean was first synthesized in the early 19th century. Chemists sought a stable, lightfast alternative to earlier blues, and cobalt compounds were a breakthrough in modern pigment production. First commercially produced in the 1860s, it quickly gained popularity among artists, including Impressionists like Monet, who used it for painting luminous skies and water scenes. In the pictured artwork 'Corner of a Café-Concert' by
Edouard Manet, cobalt cerulean is mixed with cobalt blue to produce the stunning blues of the man at the counters shirt and throughout the background. 

Cerulean Blue was valued for its properties compared to earlier blues such as Prussian Blue and smalt, which had instability issues. Unlike traditional cobalt blues, Cobalt Cerulean offered a stronger, more intense hue, making it ideal for light and water effects in painting. Today, it remains a preferred pigment for oil, watercolor, and acrylic artists seeking a durable, high-quality blue with superior mixing capabilities.

Health and Safety

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) from cobalt chromate  
Suitable Mediums: Watercolor, Oil, Tempera, Acrylic  
Lightfastness: Best (Highly stable and resistant to fading)  
Opacity: Semi-opaque  
Other Names: Cobalt Chromate Blue, Cerulean Blue
Color Index Code: PB36
Image: 'Corner of a Café-Concert' by Edouard Manet from the National Gallery