Praseodymium Yellow is a contemporary pigment known for its remarkable resistance and lightfastness. It is used in contemporary art, in particular for outdoor applications. This lesson focuses on understanding the properties of Praseodymium Yellow and this class of zirconium silicate based pigments doped with rare earths, such as praseodymium.
Objectives
- Understand the composition and properties of Praseodymium Yellow pigment.
- Identify the spectral lines associated with praseodymium and related elements.
Materials
- Sample of Praseodymium Yellow from Pigments Checker – Modern Art.
- Sample of praseodymium.
Lesson Plan
- Introduction to Praseodymium Yellow
Discuss the use of Praseodymium Yellow in art and its unique characteristics, such as durability and resistance. Highlight its application in pigments and its chemical composition as a zirconium silicate doped with praseodymium. - Spectral Analysis
Examine the spectral characteristics of praseodymium, focusing on the K alpha lines (Kα₁, Kα₂) and the absence of K beta lines due to system spectra range limitations. Introduce the L alpha, beta, and gamma lines for further analysis. - Interpretation of Spectra
Analyze the provided spectra to identify peaks associated with zirconium and the challenges in detecting praseodymium due to its low concentration in the pigment.
