Manganese Violet
Artificial inorganic pigmentComposition and Properties of Manganese Violet
Manganese violet is ammonium manganese-(III) pyrophosphate with the formula of MnNH4P2O7. The pigment is destroyed by strong acids and alkalis. It is resistant to heat up to 250 °C and has excellent stability to light.
Pigment
Painted swatch
References
(1) J. D. Lee and L. S. Browne, The nature and properties of manganese violet, J. Chem. Soc. A, 1968, 559-561, DOI: 10.1039/J19680000559.
Names
Alternative names
Nuernberg violet
Color Index
PV 16, CI 77742
Word origin
As the name of a black mineral, oxide of manganese (used from ancient times in glassmaking for removing coloring matter), from French manganèse, from Italian manganese, alteration or corruption of Medieval Latin magnesia.
Manganviolett
German
Violet de manganèse
French
Violetto di manganese
Italian
Violetta de manganeso
Spanish
Preparation
The pigment can be prepared by heating a mixture of manganese oxide, phosphoric acid, and ammonium dihydrogen phosphate at 120 °C for 4 hours and subsequently at 300 °C for a further 1 hour. Finally, water is added to the hot reaction mixture and it is boiled for a further 4 hours. The resulting product is then washed and dried (1).
References
(1) J. D. Lee and L. S. Browne, The nature and properties of manganese violet, J. Chem. Soc. A, 1968, 559-561, DOI: 10.1039/J19680000559.
Video: 'Pigment synthesis' by The Nation Of Our Hobbies
History of UseÂ
The pigment was discovered in 1868 but was not used frequently in oil painting due to its low tinting strength.
Jackson Pollock, Alchemy, 1947
Identification
Optical Spectroscopy
Reflectance and fluorescence spectra at Bob Fosbury, Flickr
Infrared Spectrum
Interactive IR-Spectrum at IRUG (Infrared and Raman User Group) Spectral Database.
IR-Spectrum in:Â D. E. C. Corbridge and E. J. Lowe, J. Chem. SOG., 1953, 493.
Microphotograph
image © Volker Emrath
Further Reading
References
(1) J. D. Lee and L. S. Browne, The nature and properties of manganese violet, J. Chem. Soc. A, 1968, 559-561, DOI: 10.1039/J19680000559.
S. Muntwyler, J. Lipscher, HP. Schneider, Das Farbenbuch, 2nd. Ed., 2023, alataverlag Elsau, p. 112.
