Cerulean blue is a pigment made from which of these metals?
Cerulean blue is a cobalt stannate which was introduce as a pigment in the 1860s. Very stable and lightfast greenish blue with limited hiding power. Cerulean blue has a fairly true blue (not greenish or purplish) but it doesn't have the opacity or richness of cobalt blue. It was not recommended for use in watercolor painting because of chalkiness in washes. In oil, it was particularly valuable to landscape painters for skies.
The name "Cerulean blue" comes from Latin 'caeruleus' = dark blue caelum which in turn probably derives from 'caelulum', diminutive of 'caelum', "heaven, sky".
More Info:
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What are your thoughts on this subject?
9 Comments
Georgia Kemp
A tiny amount of cobalt added to a glass furnace turns out bright, dark blue glass.
Susan Lake-Harris
It's one of my favourite colours!
Karin Johansson
schroederj, No that is not blue.
Peter McMillin
2 correct answers. Terrible question and choices.
Liz Hamilton
Copper and cobaltous oxides are used.
Kent David Farran
Bad question copper is used to make it
Louella Wilson
Partly right Iain Bradley. Wikipedia says "In CLASSICAL TIMES, the word caerulum was used to describe blue pigments, particularly mixtures of copper and cobaltous oxides."
Iain Bradley
Copper has to be used to make it !
Mic Fenst
The new blue pigment is exciting to see occur. Expensive, though.