Chrome Red, Chrome Orange
PR103
Alternate Names
Red Lead Chromate
American Vermilion
Red Chromate of Lead
Pigment Description
A rare pigment in artist paints. Dries quickly. This is one of the pigments where the particle size affects the color. Finer grinds have a more yellow-red cast but it can vary from dull yellow to deep red. We have read the advice that it should only be "worked with the spatula just before being used," and theorize that this may be one of the reasons for its rarity.
One of the names this color was sometimes sold under is American Vermilion. Sometimes American Vermilion may refer to another pigment though, so the name alone is not an indicator of pigment composition. Not to be confused with Red Oxide of Lead PR105. This pigment is also distinct from PR104. Pigments that contain lead are toxic.
Resources
PR103 pigment data from David G. Myers, The Color of Art Pigment Database, Artiscreation.com
Information about PR103 from Bruce MacEvoy, Handprint Guide to Watercolors, \n\CAMEO Materials Database: Conservation & Art Materials Encyclopedia Online, Museum of Fine Arts Boston. (n.d., accessed June 2025). Lead chromate, basic. Museum of Fine Arts Boston.
Stats
Toxicity
Toxic
Artiscreation lists this as Hazardous, "Hazardous, use appropriate precautions for handling toxic substances, especially if working with the dry powder; Do not ingest; Avoid dust & spray." MFA Cameo lists it as a carcinogen, mutigen and more, see their information as well as manufacturer SDS as well. We are not toxicologists so as always please consult third party experts.
Chemical Name
Lead Chromate
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