Cobalt Zinc Green Pigment

Cobalt Zinc Green (PG19) is a single pigment of cobalt zinc oxide, the historical cobalt green known as Rinmann's Green. It produces a cool, slightly bluish green with a rich masstone. It has low tinting strength and is semi-transparent to semi-opaque, giving refined greens.

In use, Cobalt Zinc Green is ideal for soft foliage, atmospheric landscapes, sea greens and delicate glazes. It mixes cleanly with yellows for natural greens and with earths for soft, muted tones. It is chemically stable, extremely lightfast and suitable for every binder, including lime and fresco.

History

Cobalt green was discovered in 1780 by the Swedish chemist Sven Rinman, which is why it is still called Rinmann's Green. It was made by heating cobalt and zinc oxides together. Although it appeared on artists' color lists in the 19th century, it remained expensive and weak in tinting strength, so it was never widely used. Today it is valued as one of the earliest synthetic greens and a gentle, permanent historical color.

Pigment Information

Pigment Type: Synthetic (Inorganic) cobalt zinc oxide
Source: Cobalt and zinc oxides, calcined at high temperature
Origin: China
Suitable Mediums: Watercolor, Oil, Tempera, Acrylic, Encaustic, Casein, Lime / Fresco
Lightfastness: Excellent
Opacity: Semi-transparent to semi-opaque
Other Names: Rinmann's Green, Cobalt Green, Zinc Green, Swedish Green
Color Index Code: PG19

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 cobalt. May cause an allergic skin reaction. May cause allergy or asthma symptoms if dust is inhaled. Avoid breathing dust and repeated skin contact. Do not rinse into drains.