Cobalt Chromite Green Turquoise Pigment

Description

Cobalt Chromite Green Turquoise (PG26) is a handmade single-pigment cobalt chromite green spinel pigment. Built on a complex spinel structure of cobalt and chromium oxides, it forms an exceptionally stable crystalline matrix. It produces a deep, cool green with a slightly blue-leaning undertone and a rich, densely saturated masstone. Compared to modern organic greens like phthalo, this pigment is more mineral and restrained in chroma, offering a natural, stone-like green that feels grounded, not overpowering.

In use, Cobalt Chromite Green Turquoise gives a controlled, sophisticated green ideal for evergreen foliage, conifers, patinated metal, stone, distant trees, and cool shadows in landscape and figure work. It has strong tinting strength without the overpowering staining of phthalo greens, making it easier to adjust, glaze, and lift. It mixes beautifully with yellows for natural foliage greens, with earths for mossy, forested neutrals, and with blues, violets, and blacks for cool shadow tones and deep, atmospheric blue-greens that stay crisp rather than muddy.

This spinel pigment is chemically inert, heat-resistant, and highly resistant to acids and alkalis, which makes it suitable across a wide range of binders and mediums. In artist's colors it offers a dependable, mineral green that can function as a primary cool green on the palette, a subtle alternative to high-chroma organics, or a quiet mixer for palettes that favor nuance, atmosphere, and tonal control.

History

Cobalt chromite greens were developed in the 20th century as part of the expansion of ceramic and industrial pigments, when chemists began engineering complex cobalt and chromium oxides into robust spinel structures that could withstand extreme kiln temperatures and harsh environments. By calcining cobalt and chromium oxides together at elevated temperatures, they produced a stable green spinel with excellent lightfastness, opacity, and resistance to weathering.

Initially used in ceramics, enamels, architectural finishes, and industrial coatings, cobalt chromite green was prized for its neutral, slightly bluish green tone and its ability to retain color under demanding outdoor exposure. As interest in mineral-based, highly permanent pigments grew among artists, Cobalt Chromite Green (PG26) began to appear in select artist ranges and handmade paints as a technical, modern alternative to both traditional earth greens and intense synthetic organics. Today it is appreciated by painters who want a reliable, mineral green with subtle chromatic personality and a long record of durability.

Pigment Information

Pigment Type: Synthetic (Inorganic) cobalt chromite green spinel

Suitable Mediums: Watercolor, Oil, Tempera, Acrylic, Encaustic, Cold Wax, Casein, Milk, Swedish Flour, Lime / Fresco, Ceramics

Lightfastness: Best

Opacity: Opaque to semi-opaque

Other Names: Cobalt Chromite Green, Cobalt Green Spinel, Cobalt Green (PG26)

Color Index Code: PG26