Nacreous pigment

Description

A pigment which produces a pearly luster. Nacreous pigment, or pearl essence, contains guanine crystals obtained from fish scales. Guanine crystals are rhombic platelets composed of multiple layers. They are transparent but have a high index of refraction that partially reflect and transmit light from layer to layer thus producing a pearly luster. Nacreous pigments are used in simulated pearls and plastics. Argentine, silvery fish scales, have also been used to imitate pearls. See also luster glaze.

Synonyms and Related Terms

pearl essence; pigment nacré (Fr.);

Authority

• G.S.Brady, Materials Handbook, McGraw-Hill Book Co., New York, 1971 Comment: p. 521

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

• Encyclopedia Britannica, http://www.britannica.com Comment: "lustreware." Encyclopædia Britannica. 1 Oct. 2004 .