## Ultramarine

**Formula**
 
Sodium alumino sulfosilicate

**Pyrotechnics use**

Color donor fuel

**Synonyms**
 

**Description**

Ultramarine is a blue pigment consisting primarily of a double silicate of aluminium and sodium with some sulfides or sulfates, and occurring in nature as a proximate component of lapis lazuli. It was traditionally used for cave drawings and eventually pigments in art and other areas. In pyrotechnics, it is used as a fuel that burns bright yellow in color, but is rarely used anymore thanks to the development of such materials as sodium oxalate and cryolite. These newer materials are cheaper and easier to obtain, and therefore are more frequently used.

**Sources** 

Sold as Blue Pigment 29, Ultramarine, and Sodium alumino sulfosilicate from chemical suppliers, crafting, and ceramic stores.

**Hazards**

Xi

Slight irritant. Carcinogenicity unknown.

