PY 159 – praseodymium yellow

Created for the ceramic industry, it is also distributed for water colors

Manufacturer/ product code:  Kremer / 43230
Chemical Description:  zirconium praseodymium silicate 
Color: yellow
Color Index: PY 159
Date:  —

PY 159 – Praseodymium Yellow is an inorganic rare-earth pigment composed primarily of praseodymium-doped cerium phosphate or silicate. It is valued for its bright, warm yellow hue with a slightly greenish undertone, offering excellent chromatic stability and lightfastness. Unlike many synthetic organic yellows, PY 159 provides a chemically robust, durable coloration that remains stable over long periods, making it suitable for both artistic and industrial applications.

Chemically, Praseodymium Yellow is a complex inorganic compound in which praseodymium ions (Pr³⁺) act as the chromophore within a stable crystalline lattice. This structure imparts exceptional resistance to light, heat, and chemical agents, ensuring the pigment retains its brightness and hue in paints, coatings, plastics, and ceramics. Its inertness also makes it compatible with other pigments and binders, preventing unwanted chemical reactions.

In practical use, PY 159 exhibits moderate opacity and good tinting strength. Its slightly greenish warm yellow allows for unique color effects in mixtures with other yellows, reds, and blues, producing subtle greens, golds, and muted warm tones. Its transparency makes it suitable for glazing and layering techniques in oil, acrylic, and watercolor painting, while its inorganic nature ensures permanence in industrial coatings and architectural finishes.

From a conservation perspective, PY 159 is highly stable, showing minimal fading or discoloration over time. Its presence in historical and contemporary works often indicates the use of advanced inorganic pigments for long-lasting, high-quality yellow coloration.