Manganese Ferrite Black Spinel
PBk26
Alternate Names
Spinel Black
Cobalt Black
Pigment Description
A rare paint, this is one of the darker blacks, this is made of Manganese Ferrite Black Spinel. Interestingly we've found some groupings of the Manganese Ferrite Blacks as well as some cross-overs in pigment codes. Some suppliers also list PBk33 alongside PBk26.
This is often described as a deep blue-black. According to this supplier PBk26 has ultraviolet and near-infrared absorbency and can also increase the gloss of the paint film.
In terms of artists paints, PBk26 is rare, and PBk28 seems to be used instead at this point. For example, Gamblin's Black Spinel is not PBk26, but rather it is PBk28.
See the Artist's Guide to Health and Safety for the health issues associated with Manganese. The author also mentions in her updated work that Spinels have not been well studied in body fluids and that it should be assumed they release metals. Her updated work can be found through her site.
Resources
PBk26 pigment data from David G. Myers, The Color of Art Pigment Database, Artiscreation.com
Information about PBk26 from Bruce MacEvoy, Handprint Guide to Watercolors,
Stats
Lightfastness
Excellent
Considered ASTM I, excellent.
Transparency
Opaque
Toxicity
Previously thought to be category of lesser concern, however refer to Monona Rossol’s work, Manganese
Monona Rossol comments in regard to Spinels (which include a number of pigments) that "Their solubility in body fluids has not been studied and it should be assumed that they release metals." More research needs to be done, so there could be some potential unstudied hazards here (as with most pigments). We have also heard anecdotal horror stories regarding manganese in dry pigments, so please consult the proper health and safety experts as we are not toxicologists, and treat all pigments and paints with studio safety protocols.
Tinting
Good
Oil Content
Low/Lean to Moderate
Approx 30g/100g oil
Particle Size
Very Fine
Chemical Name
Manganese Ferrite Black Spinel, manganese and iron spinel
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