Cobalt Chrome Sea Wave

Cobalt Chrome Sea Wave is a synthetic inorganic pigment powder, cobalt chromite blue-green spinel, Co(Al,Cr)₂O₄ (PB36). The name "sea wave" describes its light turquoise blue-green. It is very lightfast and resistant to heat, acids, alkalis and lime, for oil, acrylic, tempera, watercolor, gouache and fresco.

Key facts

• Color: light turquoise blue-green
• Pigment type: Synthetic inorganic pigment (mixed metal oxide spinel)
• Colour Index: PB36 (C.I. 77343)
• Composition: cobalt chromite aluminate, Co(Al,Cr)₂O₄
• Origin: synthetic
• Also known as: cobalt chromite blue, cobalt turquoise
• Opacity: semi-opaque
• Lightfastness: 8 of 8 on the Blue Wool Scale (supplier data)
• Chemical resistance: alkali 5/5, lime 5/5, acid 5/5 (supplier data, 5 = best)
• Suitable for: oil, acrylic, egg tempera, watercolor, gouache, fresco (lime)
• Packaging: 25 g jar · 1 kg bag

How to use

Mull it with a palette knife or muller into linseed oil, acrylic medium, egg yolk or gum arabic. Its tinting strength is moderate, and with white it gives clean turquoise tints. It keeps its color in lime and is listed for fresco and silicate binders; our supplier gives heat resistance up to 1000 °C. Store it dry in a closed jar.

About Cobalt Chrome Sea Wave

Cobalt chromite blue-green is a modern mixed metal oxide pigment, made by calcining cobalt(II), chromium(III) and aluminum oxides above 1350 °C into a spinel crystal; zinc, magnesium, silicon, titanium or zirconium oxides may be added to adjust the shade. Paint makers sometimes sell PB36 as cerulean blue or cobalt turquoise, but genuine cerulean is cobalt stannate, PB35.

Safety

Contains cobalt compounds: may cause allergic skin or respiratory reactions; harmful if inhaled. 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 Cobalt Chrome Sea Wave the same as cerulean blue?

No. It is cobalt chromite (PB36), a greener turquoise. Genuine cerulean is cobalt stannate (PB35), which we sell as Cerulean blue.

Does it contain toxic chromate?

No. Its chromium is trivalent, locked in the spinel crystal; it is not a hexavalent chromate. It does contain cobalt, so avoid inhaling the dust.

Is it lightfast?

Yes. Our supplier rates it 8 of 8, and reference sources give PB36 the top ASTM lightfastness rating, I.