Citation
(1998), "Readily available lapis lazuli pigment", Pigment & Resin Technology, Vol. 27 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/prt.1998.12927bad.005
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 1998, MCB UP Limited
Readily available lapis lazuli pigment
Readily available lapis lazuli pigment
Lapis Arts of Denver Colorado announces, on the behalf of its Chilean principals, the availability, in commercial quantities, of the exclusive, historical lapis lazuli pigment, once known as Ultramarine Blue, and obtainable in the past in limited quantities at the price of gold.
The pigment originates from the Chilean lapis lazuli deposit located high in the Chilean Andes in the province of Coquimbo. It will be produced in Chile by Lapis Pigments SA under the technical direction of European experts.
Modern technology recently perfected in Europe has enabled scientists to perfect an industrial extraction process from the lapis lazuli stone that yields a natural, royal blue pigment of the highest purity. Lapis lazuli is a mineralized limestone containing grains of the blue cubic mineral lazurite. Separating the pure blue lazurite from the impurities is an arduous and complex procedure. The new refining method opens a new chapter in the rich and eventful history of color manufacturing.
The natural pigment differs from its synthetic counterpart by the way it reacts to light, the vibrance of the blue it reflects and its permanence not only to light, but also to acids and heat.
The synthetic process produces a pigment with uniform and round granules. The natural lapis particles are irregular and angular in shape. This difference in shape is comparable to an uncut gem stone and a finely faceted diamond that, because of its many surfaces, reflects and sparkles in the light. The numerous surfaces of the lapis particles reflect a deep luminous blue. The natural lapis appears as an inference pigment producing a changing display of rich, vibrant blues, thereby creating a three-dimensional effect not attainable with the synthetic pigment.
The pigment is recommended for use in paints, inks, cosmetics and lacquers. Lapis lazuli lacquers are currently used in the coating of metallic surfaces, with great success.
Further details are available from Lapis Arts, 1295 South Dahlia Street, Denver, CO 80246, USA. Tel: +1 (303) 298 7804; Fax: +1 (303) 782 0255; E-mail: lapisarts@earthlink.net.