Lithopone

Lithopone is a synthetic white pigment made by precipitating zinc sulfide together with barium sulfate, roughly 30% and 70%. It is a dense, opaque white with low oil absorption, long used in interior paints and pastels. It contains no lead and is considered practically non-toxic because it is extremely insoluble.

Key facts

• Color: white to slightly grayish white
• Pigment type: Synthetic inorganic pigment
• Colour Index: PW5 (C.I. 77115)
• Composition: zinc sulfide and barium sulfate, ZnS + BaSO₄ (about 30% / 70%)
• Origin: synthetic
• Also known as: Orr's white
• Opacity: opaque
• Lightfastness: 8 of 8 on the Blue Wool Scale (supplier data); untreated lithopone can gray in direct sunlight
• Chemical resistance: alkali 5/5, lime 5/5, acid 2/5 (supplier data, 5 = best); acids release hydrogen sulfide
• Suitable for: oil, acrylic, watercolor, gouache, fresco (lime), lime and cement plaster, ceramics, pastel
• Packaging: 50 g jar · 1 kg bag

How to use

Stir it into acrylic medium or gum arabic, mull it with oil, or mix it into lime and cement plasters; it is also a traditional white for pastels. With an oil absorption of only about 10 to 16 g per 100 g (supplier data) it gives a dense paint with little oil. It is best suited to indoor work: for exterior or brightly lit surfaces, test a sample in sunlight first. Keep it away from acids.

About lithopone

Lithopone appeared in the 1870s; in Britain it was first produced in 1874 and sold as Orr's white. Its zinc sulfide could gray in sunlight, a weakness later reduced by doping it with cobalt salts. Its use peaked around 1920, and it is still used in paints, putty and plastics.

Safety

Contact with acids releases hydrogen sulfide gas (rotten-egg smell). 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 lithopone lightfast?

Our supplier rates it 8 of 8 on the Blue Wool Scale. Early lithopone could gray in direct sunlight because of its zinc sulfide, so use it indoors or test it first for outdoor work.

Lithopone or titanium white?

Titanium white covers and tints more strongly than any other white. Lithopone is a milder, lead-free white suited to pastels, plasters and interior paints.

Is lithopone toxic?

It is considered practically non-toxic because it is extremely insoluble. Still avoid the dust and never mix it with acids, which release hydrogen sulfide.