Ultramarine blue pigment, also known as ultramarine, is an old and vibrant blue inorganic pigment. The following is a detailed introduction to Ultramarine Blue inorganic pigment:

1. Basic information

English name: Ultramarine blue

Color characteristics: This pigment has a unique pure blue color, which is deeper and fuller than ordinary cobalt blue. The bright blue color is slightly reddish with a little red light, the color is bright and stable.

2. Chemical and physical properties

Chemical properties: Ultramarine blue inorganic pigment is non-toxic, environmentally friendly, insoluble in water, alkali resistance, high temperature resistance, but sensitive to acid, acid will decompose and change color.

Physical properties: Ultramarine blue pigment, in the form of blue powder, has good hydrophilicity, but can only be melted at high temperature, and cannot be dissolved in general organic or inorganic solvents.

3. History and origin

Its name comes from the Latin word “ultra” for “beyond” and “mare” for “sea”, meaning that it was firstly used as a pigment for the sea. ”, meaning that it was originally extracted from “Lapis Lazuli” (Lapis Lazuli), meaning beyond the distant meaning of the sea. This ore is mined mainly in Afghanistan, and the process is extremely complex and time-consuming, requiring the ore to be crushed and then washed and chemically treated several times in order to extract its blue color. Due to the tedious and time-consuming process, ultramarine blue pigment was very expensive and was not synthesized until the 19th century.

With the advancement of technology and the reduction of production cost, ultramarine blue pigment is becoming more and more abundant in the market.

4. Application areas

Coloring: Ultramarine blue inorganic pigment is widely used in paints, rubber, printing and dyeing, printing ink, color painting, and blue paint for building exterior walls.

Whitening: Ultramarine blue pigments can also be used in papermaking, soap, washing powder, starch, white products and civil wall painting, etc. It can eliminate the yellow light in the white material and improve the whiteness and beauty of the products.

Ultramarine belongs to mineral pigment, transparent, weak covering power and high brightness, suitable for decorative color, especially in the ancient Chinese architecture on the use is very common.

5. Precautions for production and use

When producing and using Ultramarine Blue inorganic pigment, relevant environmental protection regulations and standards should be observed to reduce the impact on the environment.

Since Ultramarine blue pigment is sensitive to acid, it will decompose and change color when it meets acid, so it needs to pay attention when contacting with acidic substances.

Reference website

Wikipedia - Ultramarine