Cadmium magenta

Cadmium magenta is a synthetic deep purplish-red pigment powder made of selenium-rich cadmium sulfoselenide (PR108), the darkest shade of the cadmium red family. Despite its name it is not a bright pink magenta but an opaque, lightfast crimson-maroon red for oil, acrylic, egg tempera, watercolor and gouache.

Key facts

• Color: deep purplish red, crimson to maroon
• Pigment type: Synthetic inorganic pigment (cadmium pigment)
• Colour Index: PR108 (C.I. 77202)
• Composition: cadmium sulfoselenide, a solid solution of cadmium sulfide (CdS) and cadmium selenide (CdSe), rich in selenium
• Origin: synthetic
• Also known as: cadmium purple, cadmium red purple
• Opacity: opaque
• Lightfastness: 8 of 8 on the Blue Wool Scale (supplier data)
• Chemical resistance: alkali 5/5, lime 5/5 (supplier data, 5 = best); decomposed by strong acids
• Suitable for: oil, acrylic, egg tempera, watercolor, gouache
• Packaging: 50 g jar · 1 kg bag

How to use

Mull the powder into linseed oil, acrylic medium, egg yolk or gum arabic with a palette knife or glass muller. On its own it gives deep, covering crimson-maroon passages; mixed with white it gives cool pinks. Keep it apart from copper and lead pigments, which can form dark sulfides, and away from acids, which release toxic hydrogen sulfide from it. Never spray or sand cadmium paint.

About cadmium magenta

Cadmium reds are solid solutions of cadmium sulfide and cadmium selenide, and the selenium content sets the shade: little selenium gives orange, more gives red, and the most gives deep maroon and purplish shades, sold under names such as cadmium maroon and cadmium red purple. Our supplier calls this shade cadmium purple.

Safety

Contains cadmium compounds (a toxic heavy metal): breathing the dust is the main risk, so do not inhale or swallow it; dispose of residues and wash water as hazardous waste, never into drains. Handle dry pigment with care: avoid breathing the dust and contact with eyes. Wear a dust mask (FFP2/N95) and gloves when working with the powder, work in a well-ventilated area and wipe up spills with a damp cloth. Do not eat, drink or smoke while working; wash your hands afterwards. Keep away from children and pets. For artistic and technical use only — not for cosmetics, food or tattoos.

FAQ

Is cadmium magenta a true magenta?

No. It is the deepest cadmium red, a dark purplish crimson. For a bright pink-violet magenta, an organic pigment such as quinacridone magenta is the usual choice.

How is it different from Cadmium red dark?

Both are cadmium sulfoselenide (PR108). Cadmium magenta is deeper and more purple; Cadmium red dark is a deep but clearly red shade.

Is cadmium magenta lightfast?

Yes. It is rated 8 of 8 on the Blue Wool Scale (supplier data).