Copper oxide red

[File:Oxbloodvase8740.jpg|thumb|Oxblood gaze vase MFA# 87.40]]

Description

Yellow, red or brown crystals depending on preparation method and particle size. Red copper oxide occurs in nature as the mineral cuprite (octahedral or cubic crystals). It is used as a red pigment in glass, artificial gems, enamels, and ceramics. The color can range from blood red to purple to brown in a reducing atmosphere and change to green in an oxidizing kiln. Red copper oxide is also used as a fungicide, Insecticide, antiseptic for fish nets and as an antifouling agent.

Synonyms and Related Terms

cuprous oxide; cuprite; copper protoxide; copper hemioxide; copper suboxide; CI 77402; Perenex; Yellow Cuprocide; Copper-Sandoz; Caocobre

Raman

Chemical structure

Other Properties

Soluble in ammonium hydroxide. Reacts with hydrochloric, sulfuric and nitric acids to form copper salts. Insoluble in water.

Composition	Cu2O
CAS	1317-39-1
Melting Point	1232-1235
Density	5.75-6.09
Molecular Weight	mol. wt. = 143.1
Refractive Index	2.705
Boiling Point	1800

Hazards and Safety

Toxic by ingestion and inhalation. Skin contact causes irritation.

LINK: International Chemical Safety Card

Additional Information

D.Scott, "Copper Compounds in Metals and Colorants: Oxides and Hydroxides" Studies in Conservation 42:93-100, 1997.

Sources Checked for Data in Record

• David Scott, 'Copper Compounds in Metals and Colorants: Oxides and Hydroxides', Studies in Conservation, 42, 93-100, 1997

• Richard S. Lewis, Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary, Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, 10th ed., 1993

• The Merck Index, Martha Windholz (ed.), Merck Research Labs, Rahway NJ, 10th edition, 1983 Comment: entry 2734

• Michael McCann, Artist Beware, Watson-Guptill Publications, New York City, 1979

• Robert Fournier, Illustrated Dictionary of Practical Pottery, Chilton Book Company, Radnor, PA, 1992

• CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, Robert Weast (ed.), CRC Press, Boca Raton, Florida, v. 61, 1980 Comment: ref. index = 2.705