Pronunciation: [kˈə͡ʊbɒlt ˌʊltɹɐməɹˈiːn] (IPA) 
The spelling of "cobalt ultramarine" can be a bit tricky due to the presence of two compound words. Cobalt is pronounced as /ˈkəʊbɒlt/ in IPA phonetic transcription and ultramarine is pronounced as /ˌʌltrəməˈriːn/. The first word, cobalt, is spelled as it sounds, while the second word, ultramarine, has one silent 'e' at the end. This color is a vibrant, deep blue that is often used in art and decoration.
Cobalt ultramarine refers to a vivid blue pigment with a high level of color intensity and vibrancy. It is created by incorporating cobalt ions into a base material, typically alumina or silica, through a process known as ceramic chemistry. This pigment is widely used in the fields of art, design, and textiles to achieve a deep, clear blue hue that is highly sought-after.
Cobalt ultramarine possesses exceptional lightfastness, meaning it is resistant to fading and degradation when exposed to light. This characteristic makes it a valuable colorant, particularly for applications that require long-term durability and permanence, such as painting or printing.
The name "cobalt ultramarine" originates from the element cobalt, which is used in its production, and the pigment's striking resemblance to ultramarine blue, a natural pigment historically derived from crushed lapis lazuli. Its unique chemical composition gives cobalt ultramarine excellent heat stability and allows it to withstand high temperatures, making it suitable for use in ceramics and glassware manufacturing.
This pigment exhibits good dispersibility, enabling it to be easily mixed with various mediums and binders to achieve desired shades or intensities. With its intense blue color, excellent lightfastness, and versatility, cobalt ultramarine has become a popular choice for artists, designers, and manufacturers seeking a vibrant and enduring blue pigment.
The word "cobalt" comes from the German word "kobalt", which was derived from the word "kobold", meaning "goblin" or "evil spirit". This is because the miners in the Middle Ages believed that such spirits interfered with their mining efforts when they encountered cobalt ores, as the ores were difficult to smelt.
"Ultramarine" is derived from the Latin phrase "ultra mare", meaning "beyond the sea". In ancient times, the pigment was made from the semi-precious stone lapis lazuli, which had to be imported from the region beyond the Mediterranean Sea, mainly Afghanistan. Thus, "ultramarine" refers to the fact that the pigment originated from distant lands across the sea.
When combined, "cobalt ultramarine" reflects the use of cobalt as a base pigment to create a blue shade similar to the renowned ultramarine pigment.
