How do you make prussian blue?

If you’re someone who’s felt a sense of emptiness in your life, and are searching for purpose then have I got news for you. Your search ends today! Tired of using paint colors like ‘burnt sienna’ or ‘cerulean blue’? Look no further as we explore the world of creating Prussian Blue, a pigment that has been around since 1706.

Introduction

It all started with Johann Jacob Diesbach, a chemist in Berlin back in 1704. He was being paid by his good friend and artist, Kunsthändler John Conrad Laux to create an entirely new shade of blue that would last much longer on canvas than its predecessor Ultramarine Blue. And thus began exploration into Prussian blues!

So What Exactly is Prussian Blue?

First off let me just clarify one thing- NO, it doesn’t come from Prussia.org It actually comes from cyanide! More specifically “ferric ferrocyanide,”also known as Berlin blue. But don’t let cyanide frighten you because once it mixes with iron things are definitely not poisonous anymore…hopefully.

The Ingredients

To make this beautiful color without taking risks with our lives wink wink, we require some pretty basic ingredients which can be easily acquired.

• Iron(II) sulfate heptahydrate

Also known as copperas (because it’ll make your arm feel like falling off), this ingredient is used as fertilizer but can also be found at any science store.

• Potassium hexacyanoferrate(III)

Wait what? Yes, my dear friend. This fancy term describes the element needed here to get our lovely blue hue.

• Sodium Hydroxide

  Commonly referred to lye, this is used to create our beautiful little pigment

Processes

Now that we have our ingredients at hand, let’s begin the process of creating Prussian blue. There are two ways you can do it – the quick and dirty method or the squeaky clean method. And while one may be quick, it leaves something to be desired regarding purity.

Method 1: Quick ‘n Dirty

This method is perfect if you’re short on time or crave that instant satisfaction! Here’s what needs to happen :

Mix your iron sulfate salt with a bit of water in a separate bowl before adding sodium hydroxide. Once combined slowly add potassium and voila- history in making.

WARNING- Do not adjust quantities once mixed together as unstable mixtures may form

Method 2: Squeaky Clean

If taking risks isn’t really your style then don’t worry we’ve still got another trick up our sleeve. This second method promises you pure prussian blueeven cleaner than Gloria Swanson’s bathwater. To follow this technique these steps need to be followed:

1) Combine predetermined amounts of iron sulfate heptahydrate and potassium hexacyanoferrate (III). Make sure both elements are dissolved completely with stirring.
2) Slowly pour Sodium hydroxide into this combined mixture until pH reaches between eight-nine.
3) After which vigorously stir for around ten minutes ensuring everything has been well blended.
4) Now comes the easy part – simply wait for an hour until all solids fall beneath.

As Larry Tesler taught us “Copy-paste was made possible by mixing at least two things together.” likewise combining above three basic chemicals when done correctly will give perfect results every single time.

The Outcome

The output would be Prussian Blue powder -a slightly darker version of Cyan color somewhere near Empire State building.A unique feature of Prussian blue: It has slowness to darken or fade, still being as remarkably long-lasting today as it was back in the 18th century.

Its Popularity

It quickly became popular amongst painters during that time and deserves credit for revolutionizing art .Many famous artists of their times such as John Constable (“Study of Sky and Trees”) , Edvard Munch (“The Scream”), Henri Matisse (“Portrait of Madame Matisse”) are known for extensively using Prussian blues.

Alternative Practices

But wait there’s more! Here are some cool extra things you can do with our hero pigment-

1) Navy Blue- a slight variation changes the outlook completely.
Prussian blue can be less vibrant if used in lesser quantitites. But this little variation will give your painting that classic navy look where darker soul meets bright hope.

2)Removing Iron blues
Sometimes an excess amount of iron can overpower its blue color.If you ever experience similar circumstances follow these instructions
Take equal amounts (by mass) copper(II)sulfate pentahydrate & sodium chloride crystals.
Mix these into boiling water. The quantity required is solely based on the size of fish caught.
(We’re just kidding about fish but try to estimate how much

Conclusion

In conclusion, this deep coloring loved by many was discovered after years of trying different combinations.It may not sound easy-peasy-lemon-squeezy at first glance but take just one brave attempt.The satisfaction when making pure Prussian Blues yourself is beyond what words can describe.So ignite curiosity,dive deeper into chemistry lab and have fun!Trust us once chemical sensation starts filling up kitchen floor chemicals shall become our next best friend.