Wesselsite Blue Pigment

Wesselsite Blue is a synthetic handmade pigment of strontium copper silicate (SrCuSi₄O₁₀), the strontium member of the same family as Egyptian Blue and Han Blue. It produces a bright, clean, slightly warm blue with a soft, crystalline texture. Like its relatives, it has a luminous, granular quality and gives its fullest color at a coarser grind.

In use, Wesselsite Blue gives fresh, airy blues for skies, water, drapery and decorative work. It is semi-transparent and granulates in watercolor, building from delicate washes to rich, textured passages. It mixes with earths for soft, natural greys and with white for pale, clear sky tints. Copper silicate blues are lightfast and stable in lime, which makes this pigment well suited to fresco.

History

Wesselsite was described as a new mineral in 1996 from the Wessels mine in the Kalahari Manganese Field of South Africa, after which it is named. It is the strontium counterpart of cuprorivaite, the mineral form of Egyptian Blue, and of effenbergerite, the mineral form of Han Blue. Egyptian Blue was the first synthetic pigment, made in Egypt by about 3000 BCE, and Han Blue was made in China from around the 8th century BCE. Wesselsite completes this family of copper silicate blues.

Pigment Information

Pigment Type: Synthetic (Inorganic) strontium copper silicate
Source: Strontium copper silicate (SrCuSi₄O₁₀)
Origin: U.S.A.
Suitable Mediums: Watercolor, Oil, Tempera, Acrylic, Encaustic, Casein, Lime / Fresco
Lightfastness: Excellent
Opacity: Semi-transparent
Other Names: Strontium Blue, Strontium Copper Silicate, Strontium Egyptian Blue
Color Index Code: N/A

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.