Manganese Brown
While listed among the yellows, we've seen it as a deep brown. It has a high near-infrared reflectance and is recommended for its opacity.
Manganese brown is said to have excellent lightfastness (BWS 8). This shows up in watercolor as a single pigment brown, and very few companies at this time offer it in oils.
PY164 pigment data from David G. Myers, The Color of Art Pigment Database, Artiscreation.com
Alfa Chemistry (n.d. Accessed June 2025). Manganese Antimony Titanium Buff Rutile (PY164) https://materials.alfachemic.com/major-products/manganese-antimony-titanium-buff-rutile-py164.html. Alfa Chemistry.
Thought to be excellent
Estimated to be Excellent (ASTM I Equivalency), listed as BWS 8
Opaque
Hazard, Use more caution
Possible hazard. Monona Rossol's work highlights the hazards in working with Manganese as well as Antimony pigments. We have also heard anecdotal horror stories of the effects of working with manganese in dry pigment form, so please consult the proper health and safety experts as we are not toxicologists. Treat all pigments and paints with studio safety protocols.
Low to Moderate
20-21 g/ 100g
Very Fine
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