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Copper Carbonate (Natural Azurite)

PB30 Azurite

Alternate Name

Mountain Blue

Pigment Description

This pigment code can refer to genuine Azurite in rock form (or the greener Malachite) which has been ground or the pigment may refer to the synthetic versions. Azurite in its natural form is rare in artist paints. At one time, Natural Pigments made Azurite oil paint, however it is seldom available.

In general PB30 is not well suited to oil binders, and it is reported that this pigment may discolor in oil. This pigment is given a toxicity rating of B, meaning it does have toxicity, so do handle this fascinating pigment with caution. It also contains copper. The Artist's Guide to Health and Safety has more information about the hazards associated with copper pigments.

The fineness of the grind will affect the overall color, so take care not to over-grind it. Gettens describes the larger particles as "deep violet blue in color." While it has a high refractive index and can be beautiful, the larger particles also contribute to the coarse or grainy texture. It is affected by oil, so research this carefully if you use it in oils. The work of Michael Price contains more on this topic. Sometimes Azurite turns black and other times turns green, so care is needed in handling specialty historical pigments such as this one.

Resources

PB30 Azurite pigment data from David G. Myers, The Color of Art Pigment Database, [Artiscreation.com](https://artiscreation.com/other.htmlPB30 Azurite)

Information about PB30 Azurite from Bruce MacEvoy, Handprint Guide to Watercolors, General information about this class of pigments from Handprint

CAMEO Materials Database: Conservation & Art Materials Encyclopedia Online, Museum of Fine Arts Boston. (Accessed June 2025). [Azurite](https://cameo.mfa.org/wiki/Azurite, https://cameo.mfa.org/wiki/Azurite. 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.

Kremer Pigmente (Accessed June 2025). Azurite "Michael Price" https://www.kremer-pigmente.com/elements/resources/products/_files/10201-10208e.pdf. Kremer Pigments.

Stats

Lightfastness

Sometimes turns green in oil (not always). May darken

Thought to be ASTM I but may react in various media. May turn green - closely related to Malachite. Thick layers of oils may also discolor. 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

Treat all pigments and paints with studio safety protocols.

Tinting

Low-Medium

Dry Time

Fast

Particle Size

Varies

Chemical Name

Basic copper carbonates, Natural basic carbonate of copper

Dry Pigments listing PB30 Azurite

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