Quinacridone Red Magenta, PV 19

light reddish violet

Discovered in 1935 and brought to prominence in the 1960s, Quinacridone is a synthetic-organic marvel that completely revolutionized the modern painter's palette. Built on a complex, five-ring molecular structure, Pigment Violet 19 is a chromatic shape-shifter. Because of variations in its crystal modification, this single chemical index can yield entirely different shades—from a luminous pink to a deep, dark red-violet.

In its raw powder form, this specific Red Magenta appears deceptively dark and warm. However, once rubbed into a binder, it reveals a brilliant, blue-tinted transparency. Prized for its exceptional lightfastness, this pigment serves as the permanent, modern successor to fugitive historical dyes like Alizarin and Thioindigo.

Handling Note: This pigment is highly prone to aggregation and lumping. Whether you are formulating oil, watercolor, or tempera, it requires deliberate, careful mulling to properly coat the microscopic particles and unlock its full optical brilliance.

• Chemical description: Pigment Violet 19, C.I. 73900
• Resistance to alkali: 5 (1 is bad, 5 is best)
• Resistance to lime: 5 (1 is bad, 5 is best)
• Resistance to acid: 5 (1 is bad, 5 is best)
• Lightfastness - thinned: 8 (1 is bad, 8 is best)
• Lightfastness - medium: 8 (1 is bad, 8 is best)
• Lightfastness - concentrated: 8 (1 is bad, 8 is best)
• ColorIndex: PV 19.73900
• Suitability: Acrylics, Cement / Tadelakt, Lime / Fresco, Oil, Tempera, Watercolor / Gouache