Genuine Lapis Lazuli Ultramarine Ash Shade Pigment– A Subtle, Grey-Blue Treasure

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Genuine Lapis Lazuli Ash, a delicate grey-blue pigment formed during the final stages of the ultramarine pigment extraction process. This pigment is composed of the natural remains of lapis lazuli stone, offering a muted yet versatile tone that is perfect for underpainting, premia, and creating atmospheric effects in artwork.

Crafted from the same premium Afghan lapis lazuli, this pigment carries the natural richness and authenticity associated with the gemstone, delivering subtle hues that enhance depth and dimension in artistic compositions.

History and Significance

Throughout art history, the remnants of lapis lazuli pigments have held a special place for artists. Lapis lazuli ash was used to create preparatory layers and subtle tonal contrasts, particularly in underpainting techniques during the Renaissance. By providing a balanced, muted base, it allowed artists to achieve seamless transitions between layers, setting the stage for vibrant overlying colors.

Extracted from the finest Afghan lapis lazuli gemstones, lapis ash connects contemporary artists with traditional methods while offering a unique alternative for creating shadows, clouds, and gradients.

Benefits of Genuine Lapis Lazuli Ash

  1. Subtle Grey-Blue Tone

    • Its muted yet rich hue is ideal for creating soft shadows, delicate clouds, and atmospheric effects in compositions.

  2. Perfect for Underpainting

    • As a preparatory layer, lapis lazuli ash provides a balanced and neutral base, enhancing the vibrancy of overlaid pigments.

  3. Ideal for Painting Clouds, Water, and Shadows

    • The natural grey-blue tone lends itself beautifully to painting soft clouds, reflective water surfaces, and realistic shadows, adding depth and dimension to your artwork.

  4. Eco-Friendly and Natural

    • Derived from the remains of lapis lazuli ultramarine extraction, this pigment is entirely natural and environmentally sustainable.

  5. Non-Toxic and Artist-Friendly

    • Safe for use across mediums, it provides artists with a reliable pigment free from harmful chemicals.

  6. Versatility Across Techniques

    • Suitable for premia, underpainting, and creating subtle tonal effects in oils, watercolors, frescoes, and mixed media art.

  7. Cost-Effective with Historical Significance

    • While retaining the richness of lapis lazuli pigments, ash offers an affordable alternative for creating foundational layers and soft details in artwork.

Why Choose De Mairo’s Genuine Lapis Lazuli Ash?

  • Natural Gemstone Origin: Sourced from the finest Afghan lapis lazuli, ensuring authenticity and natural beauty.

  • Ethical and Sustainable Practices: Our lapis lazuli ash is a byproduct of ultramarine extraction, repurposed to minimize waste while maintaining quality.

  • Exceptional Quality Control: Each batch undergoes rigorous testing for consistency and purity, ensuring it meets the highest professional standards.

  • Perfect Texture for Blending: Finely ground to mix effortlessly with linseed oil, walnut oil, gum arabic, or egg tempera, allowing seamless application across mediums.

  • Historically Inspired: Tied to traditional Renaissance practices, this pigment bridges the gap between historical techniques and modern artistry.

Applications of Lapis Lazuli Ash

Underpainting and Premia: Its neutral grey-blue tone is perfect for creating preparatory layers, offering a balanced base for subsequent layers of vibrant pigments.
Subtle Details: Ideal for rendering shadows, soft gradients, and cloudy effects, lapis lazuli ash is an essential tool for atmospheric and tonal compositions.
Cost-Effective Foundations: While retaining the natural richness of lapis pigments, ash provides an affordable option for large-scale projects and foundational layers.

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
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

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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