vivianite

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Vivianite

Vivianite was rarely used on European easel paintings, mostly by medieval German and English artists.

Manufacturer / product code: Kremer 104000
Chemical description: hydrated iron phosphate.
Color: blue
Color Index: N/A
More info: Kremer PDF

Vivianite is a naturally occurring hydrated iron phosphate mineral, with the chemical formula Fe₃(PO₄)₂·8H₂O, historically used as a blue to blue-green pigment. In its freshly formed state, vivianite is nearly colorless or pale green, but it gradually develops an intense blue coloration upon oxidation of ferrous iron (Fe²⁺) to ferric iron (Fe³⁺). This unusual color-forming mechanism distinguishes vivianite from most traditional blue pigments and makes its appearance strongly dependent on environmental conditions. Vivianite occurs in waterlogged, oxygen-poor environments, such as peat bogs, clay deposits, and burial contexts, and is often associated with organic remains. Its use as a pigment has been documented in limited contexts, including ancient wall paintings, polychrome sculpture, and archaeological materials, particularly in Northern Europe. Because of its sensitivity to light, oxygen, and humidity, vivianite is chemically unstable and prone to color change, ranging from pale blue to deep indigo and eventually to greenish or brownish tones. From an analytical standpoint, vivianite can be identified through its characteristic iron and phosphorus composition, as well as its optical behavior and phase transformations under exposure. For conservators and scientists, vivianite presents both a rare historical pigment and a complex case study in mineral alteration and long-term color instability in artworks.

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