Cobalt titanate blue

Cobalt titanate blue is a synthetic inorganic pigment powder, cobalt titanate (Co₂TiO₄, PG50), a heat-resistant mixed metal oxide, here in a light turquoise-blue grade. It is opaque, lightfast and resistant to acids, alkalis and lime, and suits oil, acrylic, tempera, watercolor, gouache, fresco and ceramics.

Key facts

• Color: light turquoise blue
• Pigment type: Synthetic inorganic pigment (mixed metal oxide)
• Colour Index: PG50 (C.I. 77377)
• Composition: cobalt titanate, Co₂TiO₄
• Origin: synthetic
• Opacity: 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), ceramics
• Packaging: 50 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. It needs little oil (18–20 g per 100 g of pigment, supplier data) and covers well, but its tinting strength is modest, so it is best used on its own or in light turquoise tints rather than as a strong mixing color. It is lime- and alkali-proof, suits fresco, and withstands about 1250 °C (supplier data), so it can also color ceramics.

About cobalt titanate

Cobalt titanate is one of the titanium-based mixed metal oxide pigments discovered around 1930. It is made by calcining cobalt and titanium compounds at high temperature. Its Colour Index name, Pigment Green 50, covers shades from green to blue-green; bluer grades like this one are sold by paint makers as cobalt teal or cobalt turquoise light.

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

Why is a blue pigment listed as PG50 (Pigment Green 50)?

Cobalt titanate ranges from green to blue-green, and the Colour Index files it as a green. Light blue-green grades like ours are sold by paint makers as cobalt teal or cobalt turquoise light.

Can it be used in fresco and ceramics?

Yes. Our supplier rates it 5 of 5 for alkali and lime resistance, lists it for fresco and ceramics, and gives heat resistance up to 1250 °C.