Manganese Blue Genuine
PB33
Pigment Description
The extinct, legendary Manganese Blue (Genuine). A bright glacial cyan blue with both some heft and transparency. This lost pigment is one of the highest chroma cyans out there. We first began to miss having a color in this range when working in gouache, story here as it is an opaque medium and phthalos don’t have their usual transparency in gouache. In more transparent media, phthalo blue can cover many use cases, however it doesn't perfectly emulate the missing manganese.
Vintage Winsor and Newton Manganese Blue Genuine (PB33) in oils. This arctic blue is incredibly transparent, chromatic and lightfast
We tracked down some Manganese Blue in oils (the story with tips on finding your own may be found here), and found this pigment to be quite enjoyable. When looking for vintage tubes, be wary as there are now some fake tubes of Manganese Blue on the market especially by Old Holland on ebay. Manganese Blue was much prized in watercolor due to its granulating nature, which doesn't show up as prominently in other media. While Manganese Blue is not irreplaceable in oil, it is certainly lovely. There is a bit of yellowing that happens, but in general it is a great color.
Comparison of Manganese Blue Genuine to other single-pigment paints in the paint box. From left to right, Ultramarine PB29, Cobalt Blue PB28, Phthalo Blue PB15:1, Cerulean Blue PB35, Genuine Manganese Blue PB33 by Old Holland, Genuine Manganese Blue PB33 by Vasari, and Cobalt Turquoise PG50. The closest single-pigment blue to the extinct PB33, is a version of Phthalo Blue, PB15:3 shown on the left hand side of the bottom row.
Vasari Genuine Manganese Blue, PB33
Sadly, working with the pigment in dust form to make homemade paint is not recommended. It has toxicity due to manganese and barium, so while we have read conflicting information on this we always take the proper precautions. We have heard horror stories of people who have experienced truly awful adverse effects from working with the dry pigment, so despite the conflicting information, we do not recommend making your own paint. That is true with other toxic pigments as well. The bound paint is less of a problem, however we are not toxicologists so please consult the relevant experts as well as the SDS. The Artist's Guide to Health and Safety has some information about the hazards associated with Barium and Manganese pigments. The author's most recent updated writing can be found through her site.
Old Holland Manganese Blue Genuine, PB33
Its exit from the pigment scene in the 1980s was mourned by artists. Painters still miss manganese blue, and that is a testimony to the usefulness of this terrific and difficult-to-replace cyan. In oils it is also a fast dryer.
Vintage Permanent Pigments Genuine Manganese Blue Pigment, PB33
Resources
PB33 pigment data from David G. Myers, The Color of Art Pigment Database, Artiscreation.com
Information about PB33 from Bruce MacEvoy, Handprint Guide to Watercolors
Wehlte, Kurt. The Materials and Techniques of Painting, With a Supplement on Color Theory. Van Nostrand Reinhold 1975. https://amzn.to/3Gutt3l
Stats
Lightfastness
Excellent lightfastness, may darken slightly in oil
Generally considered ASTM I (excellent) but may yellow or darken some in oil paint.
Transparency
Transparent
Toxicity
Hazard, Treat as Toxic
Do not expose yourself to do the dust, very hazardous. Contains manganese and barium, so take the proper precautions. The Artist's Guide to Health and Safety has information about the hazards associated with Barium and Manganese pigments. The author's most recent updated writing can be found through her site.
Tinting
Low
Dry Time
Medium Fast
Oil Content
Low
Low by volume
Chemical Name
Barium Sulphate-Permanganate, or barium manganate with barium sulfate
DISCLAIMER: Please note that we are not experts in health and safety and we are not toxicologists, please consult the proper experts. We are not liable for any issues that may arise from the use of our website or its contents. The information contained in this site is provided without warranty or guarantee of any kind. We do not necessarily endorse any other website that are linked from our site. For any important pigment specs, please reference the manufacturer details. If you discover errors or omissions, please reach out through our contact form. Thank you.
