Manganese Blue

Manganese Blue is a synthetic inorganic pigment powder that our supplier describes as barium manganate on barium sulfate (BaMnO₄·BaSO₄, PB33). It is a clean, light sky blue with a greenish tone, transparent and weak in tint, used in watercolor, gouache, egg tempera and acrylic. Industrial production of this pigment has ended, so it is now rare.

Key facts

• Color: clean, light sky blue with a greenish tone
• Pigment type: Synthetic inorganic pigment (barium manganate)
• Colour Index: PB33 (C.I. 77112)
• Composition: barium manganate(VI) with barium sulfate, BaMnO₄·BaSO₄ (supplier data)
• Origin: synthetic
• Opacity: transparent
• Lightfastness: 8 of 8 on the Blue Wool Scale (supplier data)
• Chemical resistance: alkali 5/5, lime 5/5 (supplier data, 5 = best); decomposed by acids
• Suitable for: acrylic, egg tempera, watercolor, gouache, lime and cement plaster
• Not recommended for: linseed oil (the yellowing oil turns it greenish)
• Packaging: 25 g jar

How to use

Bind it with gum arabic for watercolor and gouache, egg yolk for tempera, or acrylic medium, mixing gently with a palette knife. It is transparent with weak tinting strength, so it is easily overpowered in mixtures, and it tends to granulate in watercolor. Our supplier advises against linseed oil, which yellows and pushes it toward green. Keep it away from acids, which decompose it. Store dry in a closed jar.

About manganese blue

Manganese blue was made from 1935 both as an artists' pigment and for coloring cement, especially for swimming pools. Production continued until the 1990s and then stopped because of environmental concerns and its toxicity. Most paints sold today as manganese blue are hues, usually based on phthalocyanine blue.

Safety

Contains manganese and barium compounds: harmful if swallowed or inhaled; dispose of residues as hazardous waste. 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 this genuine manganese blue or a hue?

Our supplier describes it as barium manganate on barium sulfate, Colour Index PB33: the composition of genuine manganese blue. Hues sold under this name are usually based on phthalocyanine blue.

Can I use manganese blue in oil?

It is better in watercolor, gouache, tempera and acrylic. Our supplier advises against linseed oil, because the yellowing oil shifts the delicate blue toward green.

Is manganese blue lightfast?

Our supplier rates it 8 of 8 on the Blue Wool Scale, but some references describe genuine manganese blue as only moderately lightfast, so keep finished work out of strong sunlight.