A bright orange that ranged from yellow orange to a redder orange. The chrome pigments have difficulties with lightfastness and they are also toxic.
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Orange Chromate (Genuine Historical Pigment)
PO21
Alternate Name
Chrome Orange
Pigment Description
Resources
PO21 pigment data from David G. Myers, The Color of Art Pigment Database, Artiscreation.com
Information about PO21 from Bruce MacEvoy, Handprint Guide to Watercolors,
Douma, Michael (n.d. Accessed June 2025). Chrome orange https://www.webexhibits.org/pigments/indiv/technical/crorange.html. Web Exhibits, Pigments through the Ages
Stats
Lightfastness
Very Good to Fair
"Lightfast: poor. Degradation processes: modern varieties of this pigment are photochemically stabilized."-Webexhibits
Transparency
Opaque
Toxicity
Toxic
Toxic. Monona Rossol's work has information on working with lead and chrome pigments. Artiscreation lists this as a pigment that is hazardous. "Hazardous, use appropriate precautions for handling toxic substances, especially if working with the dry powder; Do not ingest; Avoid dust & spray." Treat all pigments and paints with studio safety protocols.
Chemical Name
Basic lead (II)-chromate
PbCrO₄ · Pb(OH)₂
Dry Pigments listing PO21
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