Vicenza earth is a buff white or tan-colored natural mineral with a subtle, warm hue and low opacity. Use it as a useful glazing color to impart warmth to cooler tones. It also provides a delicate cloudiness that can help to soften focus and articulate a sense of space. Use Vicenza earth with heavy pigments to prevent separation and to give colors a short consistency.
Origin and HistoryVicenza earth was identified in medieval Italian porcelain. The Medici produced soft-paste porcelain, which has a different composition and is fired at lower temperatures than hard-paste porcelain. The clay used, from the Italian city of Vicenza, contains some kaolin, an essential ingredient in genuine Chinese porcelain.
SourceVicenza earth comes from Vicenza, Italy as a buff or tan-colored kaolin.
Permanence and CompatibilityVicenza earth is unaffected by dilute acids and alkalis. It is compatible with all pigments and in all vehicles.
Oil Absorption and GrindingVicenza earth absorbs 30 to 40 grams of oil per 100 grams of pigment. It readily mixes with oil and water to form a smooth paste.
ToxicityVicenza earth is not considered to be toxic, however, care should be used in handling the dry powder pigment to avoid breathing the dust.
| Pigment Information | |
| Color: | Off White / Buff |
| Colour Index: | Pigment White 19 (Colour Index 77004) |
| Chemical Name: | Hydrated alumina silicate |
| Chemical Name: | SiO2 Al2O3 H2O |
| ASTM Lightfastness Rating | |
| Acrylic: | Not rated |
| Oil: | Not rated |
| Watercolor: | Not rated |
| Properties | |
| Specific Gravity: | 2.25 |
| Hardness: | 2.5 |
| Refractive Index: | nα=1.53 |
| Oil Absorption: | 30–40 grams oil / 100 grams pigment |