Copper Carbonate (Synthetic)
PB30 Blue Verditer
Alternate Names
Blue Bice
Bremen Blue
Cendres Blue
Pigment Description
This is the synthetic form of Azurite (basic copper carbonate).
Blue Verditer goes by many names, including Blue Bice. Synthetic Blue Bice was also sometimes called Smalt, though we would identify smalt as PB32. However, Blue Bice sometimes also referred to natural azurite at times as well. Like Azurite, synthetic Blue Bice may also discolor somewhat in oil. CAMEO notes that the particle shape is rounder and more uniform than ground Azurite, and looks more like Azurite in its finer grinds.
For more about Blue Bice, which shares many characteristics with the natural version, refer to the entry for natural Azurite in the pigment notebook.
Resources
PB30 Blue Verditer pigment data from David G. Myers, The Color of Art Pigment Database, Artiscreation.com
Information about PB30 Blue Verditer from Bruce MacEvoy, Handprint Guide to Watercolors,
CAMEO Materials Database: Conservation & Art Materials Encyclopedia Online, Museum of Fine Arts Boston. (Accessed June 2025). Verditer https://cameo.mfa.org/wiki/Blue_verditer. Museum of Fine Arts Boston.
CAMEO Materials Database: Conservation & Art Materials Encyclopedia Online, Museum of Fine Arts Boston. (Accessed June 2025). Blue Bice https://cameo.mfa.org/wiki/Blue_bice. Museum of Fine Arts Boston.
Stats
Lightfastness
Good or decent, but may be reactive under certain conditions
Considered lightfast, but may react in various media. There are advisories that thick layers of azurite in oils may discolor, which may or may not apply to the synthetic version but it is good to keep in mind. Michael Price and others have done more extensive research on how to use Azurite as well as treatments to the pigment particles for use in painting. While not related to lightfastness, it is sensitive to acids, sulfur in the air, alkalis (warm), and Hydrogen sulfide.
Transparency
Transparent
Toxicity
Hazard, Use more caution
Refer also to note on Azurite. Contains copper. More information on artiscreation.com. Treat all pigments and paints with studio safety protocols.
Tinting
Low-Medium
Dry Time
Fast
Particle Size
Varies
Chemical Name
Basic copper carbonate
₂CuCO₃-Cu(OH)₂
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