An Historical Example

The Chemistry of Art > 1. Pigments in Painting > An Historical Example >

An historical example to illustrate the relationship between the discovery of new mineral deposits and the increasing range of pigments

  • 1770: Orange coloured mineral, which contains lead and chromium, was found in Beresorf Gold mine in Siberia
  • Discovery of ore chromite deposits in U.S led to range of chromium compounds
    • Chrome yellow = lead (II) chromate or PbCrO4
    • Chrome red = basic lead (II) chromate or PbCrO4.Pb(OH)2
    • Chrome Green = chrome yellow + prussian blue