Celadonite light

Celadonite light is a natural green earth pigment powder ground from celadonite, an iron-potassium mica, in a light gray-green with a bluish tint. Like all green earths (terre verte, PG23) it is lightfast and lime-proof; it is valued for cool glazes, half-tones and wall painting in egg tempera, watercolor, fresco and oil.

Key facts

• Color: light gray-green with a bluish tint
• Pigment type: Natural earth pigment (green earth)
• Colour Index: PG23 (C.I. 77009)
• Composition: celadonite, a hydrous iron-potassium mica, K(Mg,Fe²⁺)(Fe³⁺,Al)Si₄O₁₀(OH)₂
• Origin: Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine (supplier data)
• Also known as: green earth, terre verte, celadon green
• Opacity: semi-transparent (glazing)
• Lightfastness: 8 of 8 on the Blue Wool Scale (supplier data)
• Chemical resistance: lime-proof (a traditional fresco pigment); strong acids partly dissolve it
• Suitable for: oil, acrylic, egg tempera, watercolor, gouache, fresco (lime)
• Not recommended for: fired ceramics and glazes (heat turns green earth brown)
• Packaging: 50 g jar · 1 kg bag

How to use

Grind it with a palette knife or muller into egg yolk for tempera, gum arabic for watercolor and gouache, acrylic medium or linseed oil. It is a soft mineral that disperses easily, so grind gently and briefly. In thin layers it is transparent, ideal for glazes, cool half-tones and the green underpainting of flesh; several layers give more body. In fresco, apply it with water to fresh lime plaster. The supplier also lists silicate (water-glass) paints.

About celadonite

Celadonite takes its name from the French céladon, "sea green", and was first described in 1847 from Monte Baldo near Verona, home of the famous Verona green earth. It typically forms in cavities of altered basaltic lava. Our supplier describes this lot as some of the last material from the Kryvyi Rih deposit in Ukraine, which makes it a scarce pigment today.

Safety

Green earth is considered non-toxic, but natural earths can contain crystalline silica: avoid breathing the dust. 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

How is Celadonite light different from Celadonite?

Both are natural celadonite green earth. Celadonite light is a light gray-green with a bluish tint from the Kryvyi Rih deposit (supplier data); Celadonite is a soft bluish green.

Which binder shows it best?

Egg tempera, watercolor and fresco keep its light, cool color. In oil it turns darker and more transparent, which suits glazes.

Is it lightfast?

Yes: 8 of 8 on the Blue Wool Scale (supplier data).