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Copper Carbonate Hydroxide

PG39

Alternate Name

Synthetic malachite

Pigment Description

Synthetic Copper Carbonate Hydroxide, (the naturally occurring mineral is called Malachite). There are a wide variety of colors from teal to green that can be achieved synthetically. Natural Malachite shows variety in color according to the natural source and also according to how finely that source has been ground, so there is a great deal of variety depending on the supplier. Sometimes PG39 is sold in grades depending on the fineness of the grind (for example, fine, medium and coarse) with fine grades being lighter and medium grades being darker greens.

Is a historical pigment which can be a little bit difficult to find as an oil paint. Natural pigments at one time sold malachite in oils. It is fairly straightforward to mix an approximation for the masstone color. The degree of grinding matters with malachite as finer grinds will become lighter and less chromatic. Listed as toxicity B, meaning it does have toxicity.

Resources

Stats

Lightfastness

Variable, reactive

Some sources consider it ASTM I, excellent. However, other sources mention that it fades slightly in strong light. It also yellows in oil, and sometimes turns brown. While not related to lightfastness exactly, it is reactive to sulphur in the air as well as sulfurous pigments

Transparency

Transparent

Toxicity

Hazard, Use more caution

We have read that chronic exposure is a hazard and would treat as though toxic. We are not toxicologists though, so please seek the advice of the relevant experts. Rated as "B" by Artiscreation, meaning "Hazard if carelessly handled, ingested in large amounts or over long periods of time," however he has some helpful comments about keeping it on the painting and nowhere else. In the Artist's Guide to Health and Safety Monona Rossol has information on working with pigments containing containing Copper. Her most recently updated work can be found via her site. Treat all pigments and paints with studio safety protocols.

Tinting

Low

Dry Time

Fast

Particle Size

Coarse, but varies according to grades

Chemical Name

Copper Carbonate Hydroxide

Dry Pigments listing PG39

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