Cobalt Zinc Silicate Blue

Description

Cobalt Zinc Silicate Blue (PB74) is a handmade single-pigment cobalt zinc silicate blue pigment. It produces a vivid, cool blue with a neutral undertone and a rich, saturated masstone. Compared to traditional cobalt blues, this pigment appears brighter and more modern in character while still retaining the subtle granulation, clarity, and control that painters associate with cobalt colors.

In use, Cobalt Zinc Silicate Blue gives a bold, controlled blue ideal for luminous skies, water, glass and enamel effects, and high chroma accents in landscape and abstract work. It has strong tinting strength without the aggressive staining of phthalo blues, making it easier to lift, soften, and rework. It mixes beautifully with yellows for bright, clear greens and with reds, violets, and earths for complex teals, blue grays, and cool shadow neutrals that stay crisp rather than muddy.

This silicate 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 distinctive turquoise–cobalt blue that can serve as a statement color in its own right or as a versatile mixing blue for vivid, contemporary palettes.

History

Cobalt silicate and cobalt zinc silicate blues were developed during the 20th century as part of the growth of ceramic and industrial pigments, when chemists began designing complex cobalt compounds that could withstand high firing temperatures and demanding service conditions. Cobalt Zinc Silicate Blue (PB74) is produced by combining cobalt, zinc, and silica to form a stable blue silicate phase with a bright turquoise-leaning hue.

Initially created for use in enamels, porcelain, glass, and high-performance coatings, PB74 was valued for its intense blue–turquoise color, excellent lightfastness, and stability in both oxidizing and reducing kiln atmospheres. As artist paintmakers began to experiment with ceramic-origin pigments, Cobalt Zinc Silicate Blue entered the studio as a specialty color, often positioned between traditional cobalt blues and more modern violet shades. Today it is appreciated by painters who want a high-chroma cobalt blue that leans neutral while preserving the handling qualities, reliability, and subtle texture of cobalt pigments.

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) cobalt–zinc silicate pigment

Suitable Mediums: Watercolor, Oil, Tempera, Acrylic, Lime / Fresco, Ceramic and cement applications

Lightfastness: Best

Opacity: Semi-opaque

Other Names: Cobalt Zinc Silicate Blue, Cobalt Silicate Blue, Cobalt Blue (PB74)

Color Index Code: PB74