Zirconium white

Zirconium white pigment is a snow-white mineral pigment based on zirconium dioxide. It is an artificial pigment. Advantages: moderate opacity, similar to lead white. Unlike lead white, it is exceptionally light- and weather-resistant. It is also inert, like titanium white, and dissolves only in heated hydrofluoric and concentrated sulfuric acids. Zirconium dioxide remains undissolved in other acids, including hydrochloric (HCl) and nitric (HNO₃). It also dissolves in molten alkalis and glass.

Zirconium dioxide is produced from zirconium orthoxylate (zircon) ZrSiO₃, which is dissolved, precipitated with barium chloride, and calcined at 500-600 degrees.

Its refractive index of 2.1-2.2 is close to that of carbonate lead white (the latter has a refractive index of 1.94-2.09).

Density (kg/m3): 5680-6100, also close to that of lead white (density, kg/m3: 6100-6500).

Whiteness (standard units): 98-99, higher than lead white (95).

High melting point (~2715°C)

Stabilized zirconia is biologically inert: it does not react with body tissues, is hypoallergenic, and does not oxidize in the oral cavity. This makes it an excellent material for dentistry (crowns, bridges, implants, abutments) and orthopedics.

It has distinctive optical properties: the material transmits and diffuses light, creating a natural translucent effect, making it a valuable and excellent alternative to lead white.

•Chemical Description: Chemical Compound - Zirconium Dioxide

•Chemical Formula: ZrO2

•Lightfastness - 8

•Alkali Resistance: 5

•Lime Resistance: 5

•Acid Resistance: 5

•Color Index: PW 12

•Glazing

•Suitability: Acrylic, Oil, Tempera, Watercolor/Gouache, Ceramics, Fresco

•Color: Pure White

•Form: Powder