Nickel Green Pigment

Description

Nickel Oxide Green is a dense, earthy green pigment derived from calcined nickel oxide. It produces a muted olive to grey green hue with strong opacity and a matte finish. Its subdued color makes it especially suitable for naturalistic palettes, mixing well with ochres, iron oxides, and earth tones to create complex neutrals.

In painting mediums, Nickel Oxide Green behaves as a strong, opaque colorant with moderate tinting strength. In watercolors, it offers granulation and subtle undertones; in oils and acrylics, it provides stable, low chroma greens that harmonize beautifully with traditional earth pigments.

History

Nickel oxides were first industrially prepared in the 19th century and found use in ceramics, enamels, and glass coloring, where they produced durable olive and bottle green tones. In fine art pigments, Nickel Oxide Green was introduced as an alternative to natural green earths and chromium based greens, offering permanence without the high toxicity of older chromates.

Because of its muted tonality, it was never a high chroma pigment like emerald or viridian, but it became valued for naturalistic landscape work, architectural painting, and conservation projects where earthy, mineral greens are required.

Today, it is still used as a niche pigment in painting for artists who seek historically inspired, permanent greens.

Pigment Information

Pigment Type: Synthetic Inorganic (Metal Oxide)
Chemical Composition: NiO (Nickel(II) Oxide)
Suitable Mediums: Watercolor, Oil, Tempera, Acrylic, Encaustic, Ceramics, Enamels
Lightfastness: Excellent
Opacity: Opaque
Other Names: Nickel Green, Nickel Oxide Green Earth, Olive Green Oxide

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 nickel oxide. May cause cancer if dust is inhaled. May cause allergy or asthma symptoms if inhaled and an allergic skin reaction. Causes damage to the lungs through prolonged or repeated inhalation. Avoid all dust and skin contact. Not for use by children or by anyone pregnant. Wear a P100 respirator (full face, or half face with goggles) when handling the dry pigment; N95 and P95 masks are not sufficient.

WARNING: This product can expose you to nickel compounds, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.