Cobalt green, sometimes known as Rinman's green or Zinc Green, is a translucent green pigment made by heating a mixture of cobalt (II) oxide and zinc oxide.[1] Sven Rinman, a Swedish chemist, discovered this compound in 1780.[2] Although it is stable and can be safely mixed with other pigments, it is rarely used because it is a weak pigment for its cost.[3] Cobalt Green has recently been tested in the US to be used in “spintronic” devices.[4] Cobalt green is useful in this device mainly because of its magnetic properties and can be used at room temperature, whereas other materials must be super cooled.[5] Another interesting role this compound can play in is being tested for the use in street furniture, since it possesses rapid drying characteristics and intense color.
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Molecular Formula = CoZnO2
Solubility = Insoluble in water and most petroluem solvents
Appearance and Odor = Green paste; linseed oil odor
Conditions to avoid = extreme heat
First Aid Procedures = eye contact- wash with clean water for at least fifteen minutes. Medical attention if irritation persists. Skin contact-N/A. Inhalation-N/A.
Zinc oxide pigments have a mix of white pigments and individual crystals that appear to be colorless and because of their particle size, its ability to accept an acid in a mixture, and compatibility with countless natural and unnatural systems; it is used in many industries and processes.[6][7] Since zinc is used in many paint films, acids depend on the zinc oxide to avoid extra catalyzed degradation of the binder.[8] When zinc oxide is mixed with a cobalt oxide, the compound creates an intense green color and can further be used as medium-temperature pigments.[9] The formation chemistry, which is based on the mutual suppression of the crystal lattices, and the low content of cobalt, helps this compound gain interest. The purpose of this compound is to try and prepare an innovative cost-effectively friendly green-colored inorganic pigment.[10] Unfortunately, the pigment was never an artist’s favorite, since it created relatively weak colors.
Color is an important characteristic of many ceramic products.[11] Pigments with cobalt-based ceramics are generally used for colored glazes in the ceramic industries for floor or wall whitewares.[12] Ceramic pigments are considered to be inorganic crystalline structures that develop a stable color.[13] They have a high resistance with respect to light, environment, and high temperature chemicals.[14] The broad horizon of their colors is quite large: green, blue, violet, yellow, black and brown.[15] Synthetic approaches such as sol-gel technology, solution combustion method, polymeric precursor method, and so on are using cobalt-based pigments more recently.[16]
Cobalt Blue- Has important significance in art history.[17] Cobalt blue was used in the ancient world, which includes Egypt and Mesopotamia.[18] The significant blue color was found in glass works and ceramic glazes of the early Middle Ages.[19] The molecular formula is listed at Co2SiO4 and is soluble in water.[20]
Cobalt Violet- Cobalt phosphate or cobalt arsenate was used to create the violet color of Cobalt Violet.[21] Back in 1996, a painting was examined and discovered an unknown violet sample. This sample was made from cobalt and arsenic and was found for the first time in the Analytical Research Laboratory of the Canadian Conservation Institute.[22] This pigment also has an important significance in art history. It is ideal for landscape paintings in the United Kingdom.[23] This color is best used when mixing with other pigments such as cobalt blue and green when the artist is trying to find a subtle feel with cool tones to his/her painting.[24]
Cobalt Yellow- This pigment has been tested as a possible non-volatile magnetic semiconductor with spintronic applications along with cobalt green.[25]