Genuine Lapis Lazuli Ultramarine Ash Pigment

£23.00
£23.00
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LPA045

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Genuine Lapis Lazuli Ultramarine Ash Pigment is a soft, grey-blue tone produced during the final stages of traditional ultramarine extraction. Composed of the natural mineral remains of lapis lazuli, this pigment offers a restrained, atmospheric color valued for underpainting, premia, and tonal groundwork.

Refined from premium Afghan lapis lazuli, ultramarine ash retains the authentic mineral character of the gemstone while delivering a quieter chromatic presence. Its subtle hue allows artists to establish depth, shadow, and balance without overpowering subsequent layers of color.

This pigment disperses smoothly across painting mediums and is finely ground for immediate use. It integrates easily with linseed oil, walnut oil, gum arabic, and egg tempera, making it suitable for both historical techniques and contemporary practice.


History and Significance

Historically, the ash residues of lapis lazuli played an important role in classical painting. Renaissance artists used these softer ultramarine tones for preparatory layers, tonal modulation, and atmospheric passages. By establishing a balanced foundation, lapis ash enabled luminous pigments to perform more effectively in upper layers.

Ultramarine ash continues this tradition, offering modern artists a historically grounded material for shadows, clouds, water, and subtle transitions.


Benefits of Genuine Lapis Lazuli Ash

Subtle Grey-Blue Tone
Ideal for soft shadows, clouds, and atmospheric depth.

Perfect for Underpainting & Premia
Creates a neutral, mineral base that enhances overlying colors.

Natural & Sustainable
Derived entirely from lapis lazuli without dyes or additives.

Non-Toxic & Artist-Friendly
Safe for use across traditional and modern painting methods.

Versatile Across Mediums
Suitable for oil, watercolor, tempera, fresco, and mixed media.

Cost-Effective with Historical Value
Offers the richness of lapis lazuli at a practical scale for large or preparatory work.


Why Choose De Mairo’s Ultramarine Ash

• Made from genuine Afghan lapis lazuli
• Ethically sourced and responsibly refined
• Finely ground, no additional mulling required
• Consistent batch quality for professional use
• Rooted in Renaissance painting tradition


Applications of Lapis Lazuli Ash

• Underpainting and premia layers
• Atmospheric skies, clouds, and water
• Shadow passages and tonal transitions
• Large-scale or foundational painting work

Genuine Lapis Lazuli Ultramarine Ash Shade Pigment– A Subtle, Grey - Blue Treasure - De Mairo Ltd
Genuine Lapis Lazuli Ultramarine Ash Shade Pigment– A Subtle, Grey - Blue Treasure - De Mairo Ltd
Genuine Lapis Lazuli Ultramarine Ash Shade Pigment– A Subtle, Grey - Blue Treasure - De Mairo Ltd
Genuine Lapis Lazuli Ultramarine Ash Shade Pigment– A Subtle, Grey - Blue Treasure - De Mairo Ltd
Genuine Lapis Lazuli Ultramarine Ash Shade Pigment– A Subtle, Grey - Blue Treasure - De Mairo Ltd
Genuine Lapis Lazuli Ultramarine Ash Shade Pigment– A Subtle, Grey - Blue Treasure - De Mairo Ltd
Genuine Lapis Lazuli Ultramarine Ash Shade Pigment– A Subtle, Grey - Blue Treasure - De Mairo Ltd
Genuine Lapis Lazuli Ultramarine Ash Shade Pigment– A Subtle, Grey - Blue Treasure - De Mairo Ltd
Genuine Lapis Lazuli Ultramarine Ash Shade Pigment– A Subtle, Grey - Blue Treasure - De Mairo Ltd
Genuine Lapis Lazuli Ultramarine Ash Shade Pigment– A Subtle, Grey - Blue Treasure - De Mairo Ltd
  • Genuine Lapis Lazuli Ultramarine Ash Shade Pigment– A Subtle, Grey - Blue Treasure - De Mairo Ltd
  • Genuine Lapis Lazuli Ultramarine Ash Shade Pigment– A Subtle, Grey - Blue Treasure - De Mairo Ltd
  • Genuine Lapis Lazuli Ultramarine Ash Shade Pigment– A Subtle, Grey - Blue Treasure - De Mairo Ltd
  • Genuine Lapis Lazuli Ultramarine Ash Shade Pigment– A Subtle, Grey - Blue Treasure - De Mairo Ltd
  • Genuine Lapis Lazuli Ultramarine Ash Shade Pigment– A Subtle, Grey - Blue Treasure - De Mairo Ltd
  • Genuine Lapis Lazuli Ultramarine Ash Shade Pigment– A Subtle, Grey - Blue Treasure - De Mairo Ltd
  • Genuine Lapis Lazuli Ultramarine Ash Shade Pigment– A Subtle, Grey - Blue Treasure - De Mairo Ltd
  • Genuine Lapis Lazuli Ultramarine Ash Shade Pigment– A Subtle, Grey - Blue Treasure - De Mairo Ltd
  • Genuine Lapis Lazuli Ultramarine Ash Shade Pigment– A Subtle, Grey - Blue Treasure - De Mairo Ltd
  • Genuine Lapis Lazuli Ultramarine Ash Shade Pigment– A Subtle, Grey - Blue Treasure - De Mairo Ltd
Genuine Lapis Lazuli Ultramarine Ash Shade Pigment– A Subtle, Grey - Blue Treasure - De Mairo Ltd
Genuine Lapis Lazuli Ultramarine Ash Shade Pigment– A Subtle, Grey - Blue Treasure - De Mairo Ltd
Genuine Lapis Lazuli Ultramarine Ash Shade Pigment– A Subtle, Grey - Blue Treasure - De Mairo Ltd
Genuine Lapis Lazuli Ultramarine Ash Shade Pigment– A Subtle, Grey - Blue Treasure - De Mairo Ltd
Genuine Lapis Lazuli Ultramarine Ash Shade Pigment– A Subtle, Grey - Blue Treasure - De Mairo Ltd
Genuine Lapis Lazuli Ultramarine Ash Shade Pigment– A Subtle, Grey - Blue Treasure - De Mairo Ltd
Genuine Lapis Lazuli Ultramarine Ash Shade Pigment– A Subtle, Grey - Blue Treasure - De Mairo Ltd
Genuine Lapis Lazuli Ultramarine Ash Shade Pigment– A Subtle, Grey - Blue Treasure - De Mairo Ltd
Genuine Lapis Lazuli Ultramarine Ash Shade Pigment– A Subtle, Grey - Blue Treasure - De Mairo Ltd
Genuine Lapis Lazuli Ultramarine Ash Shade Pigment– A Subtle, Grey - Blue Treasure - De Mairo Ltd
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Non-Toxic

No harmful synthetic additives

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100% Mineral Pigment

From mineral sources

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Artist Tested

Used by professional artists worldwide

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Free Returns

If unused — see policy

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EU Import Ready

Clear customs documentation provided

FAQs

1. What is the Ultramarine Ash Shade of Lapis Lazuli?

The Ultramarine Ash Shade is the softest, grey-blue variant of genuine Lapis Lazuli. It is produced from the lighter, mineral-rich fractions of the stone, resulting in a subtle, smoky ultramarine tone ideal for atmospheric and muted color work.

2. Is this pigment made from real Lapis Lazuli?

Yes. This pigment is made from 100% authentic Afghan Lapis Lazuli, sourced from the Sar-e-Sang mines. It contains real lazurite crystals with no synthetic ultramarine, dyes, or fillers.

3. How is the Ash Shade produced?

The Ash Shade is created through traditional levigation and particle separation, isolating the palest and most mineral-heavy components of Lapis Lazuli. This results in a gentle grey-blue pigment with natural transparency and subtle granulation.

4. How does this shade differ from other Lapis Lazuli pigments?

Among all Lapis Lazuli grades:

  • The Ash Shade is the coolest and most muted
  • It is less saturated than the Ultramarine Blue Shade
  • Lighter and more neutral than the Indigo Shade
  • More greyed and atmospheric compared to the Fra Angelico Shade

    It is ideal for soft shadows, misty skies, neutral washes, and historical underpainting.

5. Does this pigment granulate in watercolor?

Yes. The Ultramarine Ash Shade has fine, natural granulation, adding mineral texture and a unique mottled effect especially visible in diluted washes.

6. What can this pigment be used for?

This pigment works beautifully for:

  • handmade watercolor and gouache
  • oil paint grinding
  • egg tempera
  • iconography and manuscript work
  • restoration and conservation
  • muted palettes, smoky tones, and soft atmospheric effects

    It is versatile in both traditional and modern binders.

7. Is this pigment transparent or opaque?

The Ash Shade is naturally transparent to semi-transparent, perfect for creating gentle glazes, shadow layers, cool undertones, and soft blue-gray gradients.

8. What is the lightfastness of this pigment?

It has excellent lightfastness (ASTM I). Genuine Lapis Lazuli is one of the most stable natural pigments, surviving unchanged for centuries in historic manuscripts and frescoes.

9. Is this pigment safe and non-toxic?

Yes. This is a non-toxic, natural mineral pigment with no heavy metals or synthetic chemicals. Safe for all professional and archival applications.

10. Does the pigment contain natural lazurite sparkle?

Yes. The Ash Shade retains a very subtle mineral shimmer, less pronounced than deeper grades but still present due to its lazurite content.

11. What particle size is this pigment?

It is refined to a fine, soft particle size, allowing smooth dispersion, gentle granulation, and excellent control for delicate washes and tonal layering.

12. Is this pigment handmade?

Yes. Every batch is washed, separated, and refined by hand in Canada, ensuring historical accuracy, purity, and consistent optical qualities.

13. Why do artists choose the Ultramarine Ash Shade?

Artists choose this shade for its:

  • soft grey-blue elegance
  • atmospheric and muted tone
  • historical authenticity
  • natural mineral granulation
  • ability to create subtle shadows and delicate gradients
  • compatibility with classical and modern techniques
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Explore More Shades of Lapis Lazuli Pigments

Discover a range of stunning Lapis Lazuli pigments in various shades, each designed to elevate your artistic creations with depth and vibrancy.

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