Zirconium Orange Pigment

Description

Zirconium Orange (PR232) is a handmade single pigment zirconium iron pink zircon pigment. Built on a zircon crystal structure doped with iron, it forms an extremely stable mineral matrix. It produces a deep, warm orange with a gentle rose undertone and a saturated masstone. Compared to high chroma organic oranges, this pigment feels more similar to mineral based oranges.

In use, Zirconium Orange gives a strong, elegant orange ideal for florals, portrait work, textiles, ceramic surfaces, and atmospheric glazes in both landscape and figurative painting. It has moderate tinting strength and a semi-opaque character, allowing it to build smoothly from delicate veils of color to more solid passages without becoming chalky. It mixes beautifully with yellows for peach and coral tones, with reds and violets for rich rose, orange, and red orange hues, and with earth pigments for sophisticated, naturalistic skin tones and quiet, warm neutrals.

This zircon based 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 subtle but distinctive mineral orange that can function as a primary soft orange on the palette, a gentle alternative to intense organic oranges, or a mixer for palettes that favor nuance, atmosphere, and tonal control.

History

Zirconium based ceramic pigments were developed in the mid-20th century as chemists began incorporating color producing metal ions into the robust zircon crystal structure to create stains that could withstand high firing temperatures and harsh conditions. Zirconium Iron Pink Zircon (PR232) arises from firing zirconium, silica, and iron compounds together at high temperature until they interdiffuse into a stable pink zircon phase.

Originally formulated for porcelain, tiles, and enamels, this zircon pigment was valued for its gentle hue, excellent lightfastness, and durability in both interior and exterior applications. As interest in mineral, ceramic origin pigments grew among artists, Zirconium Orange began to appear in select artist ranges and handmade colors as a technical, modern alternative to more fugitive or overly intense oranges. Today it is appreciated by painters who want a stable, mineral orange with a quiet, sophisticated character and a long record of reliability.

Pigment Information

Pigment Type: Synthetic (Inorganic) zirconium iron pink zircon
Suitable Mediums: Watercolor, Oil, Tempera, Acrylic, Lime / Fresco, Ceramic and cement applications
Lightfastness: Excellent
Opacity: Semi-opaque
Other Names: Zirconium Pink, Zirconium Iron Pink Zircon, Pink Zircon (PR232)
Color Index Code: PR232

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.