Chlorite tobacco

Chlorite tobacco is a natural mineral pigment powder ground from chlorite, a green sheet-silicate mineral, in a muted olive green with a brownish, dried-tobacco cast. A lightfast, lime-proof member of the green earth family (PG23), it gives natural olive and khaki tones in oil, egg tempera, watercolor, gouache and fresco.

Key facts

• Color: tobacco green: muted olive with a brownish cast
• Pigment type: Natural mineral pigment (chlorite, a green-earth-type pigment)
• Colour Index: PG23 (C.I. 77009)
• Composition: chlorite-group sheet silicate of magnesium, iron and aluminum, (Mg,Fe)₃(Si,Al)₄O₁₀(OH)₂·(Mg,Fe)₃(OH)₆
• Opacity: semi-transparent; medium hiding power (supplier data)
• Lightfastness: 8 of 8 on the Blue Wool Scale (supplier data)
• Chemical resistance: alkali 5/5, lime 5/5 (supplier data, 5 = best)
• Suitable for: oil, acrylic, egg tempera, watercolor, gouache, fresco (lime), lime and cement plaster
• Packaging: 50 g jar · 1 kg bag

How to use

Disperse it in egg yolk, gum arabic, acrylic medium or linseed oil with a palette knife or muller. Chlorite is soft and grinds easily; grind gently to keep the color clean. Thin layers glaze, and because its hiding power is medium, apply several coats for full coverage. It is lime-proof, for fresco and lime or cement plaster. Mix it with yellow ochre for warmer olive greens, or with white for soft sage and khaki tints.

About chlorite

The chlorite group is named after the Greek chloros, "green", and its minerals range from light yellowish green to nearly black. Chlorite is common in low-grade metamorphic rocks such as greenschist and in altered igneous rocks. With celadonite and glauconite, it is one of the minerals that have been used as green earth pigment. "Tobacco" refers to the brownish olive color of this grade.

Safety

Natural earths and ground minerals 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

What does "tobacco" mean in the name?

It describes the color: a muted olive green with a brownish cast, like a dried tobacco leaf. The pigment itself is natural chlorite, like our other chlorite grades.

How is it different from Glauconite warm?

Both give olive greens. Glauconite warm is a lighter, more yellowish green earth made from glauconite, a mica formed in marine sediments; Chlorite tobacco is darker and browner.

Is it lightfast?

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