Egyptian Green Pigment

Egyptian Green is a handmade single pigment made from a copper containing calcium silicate glass, or frit, the green counterpart of Egyptian Blue. It produces a soft, muted, slightly bluish green with a glassy, granular texture. It is made by firing silica, lime, copper and an alkali flux together, using a higher proportion of lime and less copper than Egyptian Blue, so that a green glass forms instead of blue crystals.

In use, Egyptian Green gives quiet, natural greens for foliage, drapery, decorative borders and historical palettes. It granulates gently in watercolor and gives soft, luminous passages in tempera and fresco. It mixes with earths for muted olive greens and with Egyptian Blue for cool turquoise tones. It is lightfast and stable in lime.

History

Egyptian Green, also called green frit, was made in ancient Egypt alongside Egyptian Blue, one of the first synthetic pigments. It was used in tomb and temple painting, on papyri and coffins, and as a colorant for faience and glazes. Analysis of Egyptian painted objects has shown green frit in many works where the green was once assumed to be malachite. Our Egyptian Green recreates this ancient material.

Pigment Information

Pigment Type: Synthetic (Inorganic) copper calcium silicate glass (frit)
Source: Silica, lime, copper compound and alkali flux, fired
Origin: U.S.A.
Suitable Mediums: Watercolor, Oil, Tempera, Acrylic, Encaustic, Casein, Lime / Fresco
Lightfastness: Excellent
Opacity: Semi-transparent
Other Names: Green Frit, Egyptian Green Frit, Copper Wollastonite Green
Color Index Code: N/A

Image: wall paintings from the tomb of Djehutyemhab (TT194), Luxor

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 copper. Harmful if swallowed. Dust may irritate eyes and airways. Very toxic to aquatic life; never rinse into drains.