PG18
Viridian
- Chemistry
- Hydrated chromium oxide
- Origin
- Synthetic mineral.
- History
- Discovered 1838; a transparent, stable, slightly muted green.
- Toxicity
- Non-toxic.
Viridian (PG18) is Hydrated chromium oxide. In our watercolour range it is transparent, yes granulation, excellent lightfastness.
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Granulation
- YES
- Staining
- Non Staining
- Lightfastness
- Excellent
What is PG18?
PG18 (Viridian) is Hydrated chromium oxide. Synthetic mineral..
What is the chemistry of PG18?
PG18 is Hydrated chromium oxide.
Is PG18 toxic?
Non-toxic.
Is PG18 lightfast?
In the Michael Harding range, colours using PG18 are rated excellent for lightfastness.
Is PG18 transparent or opaque?
PG18 is transparent.
Does PG18 granulate?
In watercolour, PG18 is granulating.
Which Michael Harding colours use PG18?
PG18 appears in 5 Michael Harding colours: Cadmium Green, Viridian, Viridian, Moonlight, Purple Haze.
The story of PG18
The classic transparent green - stable, granulating, and the backbone of natural landscape greens.
How it is made
Viridian is produced by hydrating chromium oxide under heat and pressure, then washing and grinding it. Milled in oil it gives a transparent, slightly muted, granulating green that is fully permanent.
In the hands of the masters
A 19th-century arrival, viridian became the transparent green of the Impressionists - Cézanne’s cool greens and Monet’s water rely on it.
Michael Harding colours using PG18
5 colours across both rangesLightfastness: ExcellentOil Colours containing PG18
2 colours
| Colour | Medium | Transparency | Lightfastness | Granulation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cadmium Green No. 412 | Oil | Opaque | Excellent | — |
| Viridian No. 511 | Oil | Semi-Transparent | Excellent | — |
| Viridian W308 | Watercolour | Transparent | Excellent | YES |
| Moonlight W228 | Watercolour | Transparent | Good | YES |
| Purple Haze W226 | Watercolour | Transparent | Excellent | YES |
Pigments in the same family
Complementary pigments to mix with PG18
Opposite-family pigments that pair cleanly with PG18 for neutrals, shadows and chromatic greys.