Riebeckite (100 g)

Product Details:

100 g jar (3.53 oz)
Riebeckite is a dark blue mineral from deposits in Krivoi Rog, Ukraine. It has been identified on wall paintings in Late Neolithic and Bronze Age Europe and the eastern Mediterranean.

Pigment Names
Synonyms:	Abriachanit, Abriachanita, Orthoriebeckit, Orthoriebeckita, Orthoriebeckite, Osanit, Osanita, Osanite, Osannit, Osannita, Osannite, Riebeckit, Riebeckita
Alternate Names:	English: blue amphibole, blue asbestos, blue Cape asbestos, Crocidolite (variety)

Origin and History
Riebeckite is a not well-known dark blue mineral although most people have probably seen stones that at one time were composed of riebeckite crystals. The mineral was named after a famous 18th-century German explorer and mineralogist, Emil Riebeck (1853-1885). The mineral was identified on wall paintings on Crete (Knossos, Ayia Triada, Amnissos), mainland Greece (Mycenae) and Cyprus (Akrotiri and Thera), and other works of art since Late Neolithic times (at least the 4th millennium B.C.E.) and the Early Bronze Age, where its was used alone and in combination with Egyptian blue (a synthetic blue pigment).

Source
Riebeckite is a natural silicate mineral belonging to the amphibole group with notable occurrences in Soqotra, South Yemen; Transvaal, South Africa; Schirmeck, Germany; Langesund, Norway; Krivoi Rog, Ukraine; Western Australia; Scotland; Madagascar; and the USA. Rublev riebeckite pigment is made from deposits in Krivoi Rog, Ukraine. Some forms of riebeckite are asbestiform and can be used as asbestos. Asbestos has many industrial uses despite some health risks and is made of different minerals all with a fibrous habit. Riebeckite has a variety called “crocidolite” that is asbestiform in habit, which is the mineral variety of the Rublev pigment.

Permanence and Compatibility
Riebeckite is not affected by light and is stable under normal atmosphere. It is resistant to alkalis and hence can be used in fresco and casein.

Oil Absorption and Grinding
Riebeckite absorbs a moderate amount of oil (20 g oil per 100 g of pigment).

Toxicity
Riebeckite is an asbestiform mineral and is rated toxic, especially with prolonged exposure by inhalation. It is not considered toxic in contact with the skin. Asbestos is a known carcinogen. Care should be used in handling the dry powder pigment to avoid breathing the dust. A NIOSH-certified dust mask should be worn.

Pigment: Riebeckite

Pigment Information
Color:	Dark Blue
Colour Index:	-
Chemical Name:	Sodium Iron Magnesium Silicate Hydroxide
Chemical Formula:	Na₂(Fe, Mg)₃Fe₂Si₈O₂₂(OH)₂
ASTM Lightfastness Rating
Acrylic:	Not Tested
Oil:	Not Tested
Watercolor:	Not Tested
Properties
Specific Gravity:	3.2–3.4 (3.2 g/cm³)
Hardness:	5–6
Refractive Index:	a=1.68-1.698, b=1.683-1.7, g=1.685-1.706
Oil Absorption:	20 g oil/100 g pigment