Vicenza earth, or white earth, is a natural inorganic mineral pigment, which can also be obtained synthetically. Improperly called Cadmium of Schio, this siliceous earth is present on all continents and was known to many ancient civilizations.
It is obtained from appropriately aerated and purified kaoliniferous clay. In appearance it looks like a medium-fine clay that easily clots into small and medium lumps, while with an average amount of thinner it becomes a transparent, non-fluid, slightly earthy paste. The tint is transparent and not compact, it is light and has practically no covering power. It has a very low coloring power and is recommended to be used as a glaze or mixed with other colours. If less diluted it is more compact, "sticky" and difficult to use, therefore the more diluted variant is recommended.
- Type: Natural or artificial inorganic mineral pigment
- Composition: Hydrated aluminum phyllosilicate or silicon anhydride
- Formula: Al4 [(OH)8/ Si4 O10] or SiO2
- Coverage: 1/5
- Color Index Generic Name: PW19
- THERE. Common or Historical Name: Kaolin
- Coloring power: low
- Stability: high
- Toxicity: non-toxic
- Amount of thinner: medium Opacity: 1/3