Potter's Pink

Description

Potter’s Pink is a delicate, dusty rose-colored synthetic pigment made from a solid-state reaction of tin, silica, and chromium oxides that produces the mineral malayaite. It is known for its soft, muted pink tone, gentle transparency, and excellent permanence. Unlike brighter organic pinks, Potter’s Pink provides subtle granulation and a low-intensity warmth, making it highly valued in watercolor palettes for naturalistic and atmospheric effects.

In use, Potter’s Pink behaves as a semi-transparent pigment with moderate tinting strength and a distinctive granulating texture. It lends itself beautifully to glazing, layering, and botanical illustration where quiet, nuanced pinks are preferred over high-chroma modern magentas.

History

Developed in the mid-20th century, Potter’s Pink was introduced as a durable alternative to historical organic pinks such as cochineal lakes, which suffered from fading. Its name comes from its early use in ceramics, where chrome–tin pinks provided a permanent and heat-stable rose coloration for pottery glazes.

Artists quickly adopted the pigment into watercolor and other painting mediums, where its granulating and subtle qualities set it apart from stronger, more uniform synthetics. It became especially popular in botanical and landscape painting circles for its ability to replicate delicate flower petals, skin tones, and atmospheric tints.

Today, PR233 remains a specialty pigment with a devoted following, particularly among watercolorists who value its unique texture and muted elegance.

Pigment Information

Pigment Type: Inorganic Synthetic (Chrome–Tin Malayaite)

Chemical Composition: CaSnSiO₅:Cr (chromium-substituted malayaite)

Suitable Mediums: Watercolor, Oil, Tempera, Acrylic, Ceramic Glazes

Lightfastness: Excellent

Opacity: Semi-Transparent

Other Names: Chrome–Tin Pink, Malayaite Pink, Ceramic Pink, Potter’s Pink

Color Index Code: PR233