Egyptian Blue Deep

Description

Egyptian Blue Deep (PB31) is a handmade single-pigment Egyptian blue based on synthetic cuprorivaite, a calcium–copper silicate. This is the modern continuation of one of the oldest known man-made pigments. In this deeper variant, the particle size and formulation emphasize a richer, darker blue with a cool, slightly grey-leaning undertone and a saturated masstone. Compared to standard Egyptian Blue, Egyptian Blue Deep appears deeper and rich while still retaining the gentle, mineral granulation that makes this pigment so distinctive.

In use, Egyptian Blue Deep gives a bold yet controlled blue ideal for night skies, deep water, stone, architectural subjects, and atmospheric passages in landscape and historical work. It has moderate tinting strength and a semi-opaque, granulating character, allowing it to shift from textured, stone-like washes to smoother glazes depending on dilution. It mixes beautifully with earths for ancient, fresco-like neutrals, with violets and magentas for moody blue-violets, and with warm yellows and ochres for muted, historical greens that stay soft rather than electric.

This calcium–copper 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 uniquely historical, mineral blue that can function as a statement color in its own right or as a mixing blue for palettes that favor nuance, texture, and an unmistakably ancient character.

History

Egyptian blue is widely regarded as the first synthetic pigment, developed in ancient Egypt over 3,000 years ago. Artisans discovered that heating a mixture of silica, lime, copper compounds, and alkali produced a vivid blue glassy material that could be ground into pigment. This color was used extensively in wall paintings, sculpture, faience, and decorative objects across Egypt, the Mediterranean, and the Roman world, symbolizing the heavens, the Nile, and divine presence.

The pigment fell out of common use in late antiquity and was largely forgotten until its composition was rediscovered and analyzed by modern archaeologists and chemists. Contemporary reconstructions of Egyptian blue—like this PB31—are based on that historical cuprorivaite structure, refined for consistency and purity. Egyptian Blue Deep takes inspiration from the darker, more saturated tones seen in well-preserved ancient fragments and architectural details, bringing a deeply historical hue back into the modern studio with improved milling and reliable, lightfast performance.

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) calcium–copper silicate (cuprorivaite)

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

Lightfastness: Best

Opacity: Semi-opaque

Other Names: Egyptian Blue, Cuprorivaite, Calcium Copper Silicate Blue

Color Index Code: PB31