Orphiment

[Richard]

I bought some Orphiment, an ancient natural pigment which is a bright canary yellow, from Rublev colours. However it is rather more toxic than I would be happy working with, as it contains Arsenic Sulfide. If anyone would like it and has the experience to use it safely I would be pleased to send it to them. I am happy to bear the cost but please be aware that it is a TOXIC pigment.
Regards Richard

[Dennis H]

Richard,
If you don't have any takers on your side of the Atlantic, I'll trade you for another less toxic pigment. I have a few you might like to try. We can talk later.
Dennis

[RobM]

Richard,
Take up Dennis's offer!! He sent me some wonderful natural pigments which I keep as my little jewels.
Rob

[Richard]

Dear Denis, I would be really pleased to send the pigment off to you, it would be a relief for me to know it would be in safe experienced hands, and that you will be able to handle it safely.
Regards Richard

[Georgeoh]

Richard, How did you not know that orpiment is toxic pigment? It is clearly indicated on the web site and on the jar labels. It can be used safely if precautions are taken in using it. It is a wonderful color though that I find cadmium sulfide yellows cannot replace. I use it often and it shows well not only in tempera but also in oil, although I think its beauty is greater in tempera.

[Richard]

Of course I knew the pigment was toxic, it was clearly indicated as such on your web site when I purchased it. I simply did not feel that the appropiate level of care needed was one I wished to implement. Mainly I purchased it to see exactly what the colour was like and having seen it feel no great need or desire to hold onto it either in a family home or a studio where I give classes.
Richard

[Alessandra Kelley]

There's toxic and there's toxic. Even back when people routinely used Lead White, they knew to be wary of Orpiment (and its orange cousin Realgar).

You really have to take precautions.