This pigment of inorganic, mineral and synthetic origin was invented in the early 1800s by Vauquelin. It is manufactured by adding a solution of potassium dichromate to a solution of zinc sulphate resulting in a basic zinc-potassium chromate. Rather resistant, it is soluble in dilute hydrochloric acid and partially soluble in water. It can be adulterated with lead chromate, barite, kaolin etc.
It can be used with all techniques: fresco, tempera, encaustic, oil and watercolour.
Chemical formula: ZnCrO4 + K2CrO4
Poisonous.