Volchonskoite Green
PG23 Volkonskoite
Pigment Description
While this pigment could possibly be grouped under PG23 for green earth, its unique handling in oil paint as well as its role in certain traditions warrant its own entry. It is quite rare to find Volkonskoite in oils.
A swirl of Volkonskoite oil paint. The paint is made by Gazo.
Volkonskoite is a mineral found in Russia, and was named after a Russian Prince (A. Volkonskoi, a Minister of the Imperial Court) who was influential in the Napoleonic wars. It is also called Green Stone.
Volkonskoite oil paint, by Gazo
As an oil paint it is darker than most green earths and is quite gritty. It is a very gentle tinter, even in lead white.
Volkonskoite is a gentle tinter. Volkonskoite oil paint by Gazo, tinted 1:1 with both Titanium and Lead White.
Volkonskoite dry pigment
Monona Rossol mentions that depending on the origin, silica and/or asbestos may be present which would be dangerous. Please consult best practices for its use.
As a dry pigment, Volkonskoite does not look nearly as dark as it does in oils. A comparison of Volkonskoite with another regular green earth. Dry pigment from Master Pigments on the left compared with Verona Green Earth dry pigment by Natural Pigments on the right
Resources
PG23 Volkonskoite pigment data from David G. Myers, The Color of Art Pigment Database, [Artiscreation.com](https://artiscreation.com/green.html#PG23 Volkonskoite),
Rossol, Monona. The Artist's Complete Health and Safety Guide. New York, NY : Allworth Press, 2001. The book is rather dated, updated information is available from her website.
Stats
Toxicity
Previously thought to be Lower Concern, however dust may a hazard
This sub variant PG23 gets a special mention in Monona Rossol’s work. In terms of toxicity, she writes, “No data, but silica and perhaps asbestos should be considered as possible components due to geological origin.” For PG23 in general, Rossol writes, “Some forms of celedonite are in needle/fibrous form similar to minerals that cause cancer.” Her work is available through her site.
Chemical Name
Dichrome Trioxide (Mineral)
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