Violet Lalvarit – Violet‑Grey Volcanic Oil Paint
Violet Lalvarit is a unique violet‑grey oil paint made from rare volcanic lalvarit, delivering cool tones and a semi‑opaque body ideal for atmospheric shading and subtle violet hues.
Violet Lalvarit oil paint is made from lalvarit, a rare andesite rock from the lava flows of the Alaverdi ore region near Mount Lalvar in Armenia. The rock is grey in color but acquires a distinctive violet tint from iron and manganese oxide impurities. Unlike typical pigments, lalvarit is not a single mineral but a unique volcanic rock; it is therefore classified as a natural inorganic pigment, but its Colour Index (CIGN), chemical name, and formula are not defined. The pigment is ground to a mean particle size of about 8 µm and contains mainly silica (≈30 %), alumina (~8 %), iron (~6 %), potassium (~1.6 %), and manganese (~1 %). Its Mohs hardness is 7, and the oil absorption value is higher than most earth pigments (32 g oil per 100 g pigment).
In oil paint, Violet Lalvarit has a semi‑opaque body with medium tinting strength and a slightly slower drying rate due to its higher oil demand. The color produces cool violet–grey hues useful in atmospheric landscapes and shadow areas. Artists interested in unusual, naturally occurring colorants will appreciate this pigment’s provenance and subtle chromatic complexity.
| Violet Lalvarit | |
|---|---|
| Color: | Violet Lalvarit |
| Binder: | Linseed oil |
| Additive(s): | None |
| Pigment Information | |
| Pigment: | Violet Grey Lalvarit |
| Pigment Classification: | Natural inorganic |
| Colour Index: | N/A |
| Chemical Name: | N/A (andesite rock with iron and manganese oxides) |
| Chemical Formula: | Fe₂O₃ + MnO₂ |
| CAS Numbers: | 1309-37-1 (Fe₂O₃) / 1313-13-9 (MnO₂) |
| Properties | |
| Code: | 703 |
| Series: | 3 |
| Opacity: | Semi‑Opaque |
| Tinting Strength: | Medium |
| Drying Rate: | Medium |
| ASTM Lightfastness: | I (based on iron and manganese oxides) |
| Permanence: | A – Permanent |
| Safety Information: | No acute or known chronic health hazards are associated with this pigment’s anticipated use. Avoid inhaling or ingesting the powder and observe usual studio precautions. Conforms to ASTM D‑4236. |
For a detailed explanation of the terms in the table above, please visit our Composition & Permanence page.
Notes:
Pigment separation may occur; mix thoroughly before use. Colour swatches are calibrated but may vary among monitors. Drawdown images illustrate mass tone and a tint mixed 1:2 with titanium white. The oil absorption is relatively high (≈ 32 g oil per 100 g pigment) and may contribute to a slightly longer drying time.
| Color Names | |
|---|---|
| Common Name | English: violet lalvarit French: lalvarit violet German: violetter Lalvarit Italian: lalvarite viola Portuguese: lalvarita violeta Russian: лалварит фиолетовый Spanish: lalvarita violeta |
| SKU | 820-703 |
|---|---|
| Brand | Rublev Colours |
| Vendor | Natural Pigments |
| Processing Time | Usually ships the next business day. |
| Color | Violet |
| Pigment Type | Inorganic, Earth, Natural |
| Pigment Family / Chemistry | Earth Pigments |
| Pigment Code | N/A |
| Particle Size | Fine |
| Drying Rate | Medium |
| Transparency/Opacity | Semi-Opaque |
| Lightfastness | Not Listed |
| Chemical Prohibition | No |
Health and Safety
There are no acute or known chronic health hazards with the anticipated use of this product. Protect yourself against potentially known hazards by keeping it out of your body. Do this by avoiding ingestion, excessive skin contact and inhalation of dusts. Conforms to ASTM D4236.
