iron blue
Quick Summary
Iron blue, also known as Prussian blue, refers to a group of deep blue pigments composed of complex iron cyanides. These pigments, including Prussian, Chinese, Milori, and toning blue, are chemically similar, with variations in shade attributed to particle size and manufacturing processes.12
Prussian blue, first synthesized around 1704, has a reddish tint and is commonly used in paints, enamels, and lacquers. Chinese blue is darker with a greenish tint, favored for printing inks. The blue color arises from the absorption of light that facilitates electron transfer between iron ions. These pigments are often mixed with yellow pigments to create greens and are used in blueprints, inks, laundry blues, paints, enamels, crayons, and linoleum.12
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