Almost black in masstone, this creates some of the most vibrant cyan tints and glazes

Thought to be in the category of Lower Concern, but may contain contaminants

Tubes made before 1982 or even 1986 may contain PCBs or dioxins. Current phthalos may also contain toxic contaminants depending on country of manufacture or other variables. Treat all pigments and paints with studio safety protocols. Please see the Artist's Guide to Health and Safety for information about the hazards associated with copper pigments. The author's most recent updated writing can be found through her site.

One of the most powerful tinters. This color is one where it is almost always sold with extenders just to make the paint more usable.

Naturally slow or very slow (6-18 days). Many varieties dry in less than 5 days and are likely to contain driers.

Sources vary, but as a pigment it has a medium amount by volume. Some sources say when it is made into a paint, its oil by volume leans toward high. By weight, Artiscreation lists a wide range of approximately 45-84g/100g of oil, but your pigment may have different requirements. Weight ratios are a more dialed-in way to go about paintmaking, but volume ratios are more helpful for visualizing relative amounts, since pigments vary in weight.