Lithopone

As Lithopone an artificial non-toxic white pigment of barium sulphate (barytes, BaSO4 ) and zinc sulfide ( sphalerite or wurtzite, ZnS) is called. It is generated in a special production method, in which both components are taken in one action. Lithopone is the Color Index as C. I. Pigment White 5 out.

Depending on the content of zinc sulfide different types of lithopone be distinguished. With increasing zinc sulfide content ( 10% for yellow seal to 60 % for silver seal) increases thereby also its brightness. In addition, it may also include up to 2 % of zinc oxide (ZnO). Lithopone was discovered in the first half of the 18th century. In 1853 it was first manufactured by De Douhet. The process was patented in 1850. 1871/1874 can be found sporadically first evidence for the application of lithopone. It is still used today for primer and paint colors as well as fillers. It is found also as a pigment in pastels, oil paints and plastics dispersions. It is a good light resistant, compatible with all pigments and binders and also non-toxic pigment.

Lithopone is also called Charltonweiß, Chinese permanent white, opaque white, white enamel, zinc white sulfur or sulfide white.