Pigment White 5; CI 77115; Deckweiss (Deut.); Lithopone (Deut.); litopón (Esp.); lithopone (Fr.); lithoponio (Gr.); litopone (It.); lithopoon (Ned.); litopone (Port.); Orr's white; oleum white; Griffiths zinc white; Sterling white; Albalith; Charlton white; Ponolith; Jersey Lily white; Sunotlith; Beckton white; Zincolith

The global Lithopone market was valued at $169.8 million in 2019, and is projected to reach $218.6 million by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 3.30% from 2020 to 2027.

Lithopone Market 

This article discusses the discovery of phosphorescent lithopone on watercolor drawings by American artist John La Farge dated between 1890 and 1905 and the history of lithopone in the pigment industry in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Despite having many desirable qualities for use in white watercolor or oil paints, the development of lithopone as an artists' pigment was hampered by its tendency to darken in sunlight. Its availability to, and adoption by, artists remain unclear, as colormen's trade catalogs were generally not explicit in describing white pigments as containing lithopone. Further, lithopone may be mistaken for lead white during visual examination and its short-lived phosphorescence can be easily missed by the uninformed observer. Phosphorescent lithopone has been documented on only one other work-to-date: a watercolor by Van Gogh. In addition to the history of lithopone's manufacture, the article details the mechanism for its phosphorescence and its identification aided by Raman spectroscopy and spectrofluorimetry.

Titanium Dioxide Price Trends for the First Half of 2023

Certificate of Analysis (Lithopone B301, Lithopone B311 powder TDS)

Lithopone 30% has a lower coverage power than titanium dioxide. For this reason, Lithopone 30% can only partially substitute titanium dioxide, between 5 and 40%. 

For the Year 2020

The mineral appears to have low skin penetration, but it is a greater concern when inhaled frequently over time.

Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) is commonly applied to enhance the white colour and brightness of food products. TiO₂ is also used as white pigment in other products such as toothpaste. A small fraction of the pigment is known to be present as nanoparticles (NPs). Recent studies with TiO₂ NPs indicate that these particles can have toxic effects. In this paper, we aimed to estimate the oral intake of TiO₂ and its NPs from food, food supplements and toothpaste in the Dutch population aged 2 to over 70 years by combining data on food consumption and supplement intake with concentrations of Ti and TiO₂ NPs in food products and supplements. For children aged 2-6 years, additional intake via ingestion of toothpaste was estimated. The mean long-term intake to TiO₂ ranges from 0.06 mg/kg bw/day in elderly (70+), 0.17 mg/kg bw/day for 7-69-year-old people, to 0.67 mg/kg bw/day in children (2-6 year old). The estimated mean intake of TiO₂ NPs ranges from 0.19 μg/kg bw/day in elderly, 0.55 μg/kg bw/day for 7-69-year-old people, to 2.16 μg/kg bw/day in young children. Ninety-fifth percentile (P95) values are 0.74, 1.61 and 4.16 μg/kg bw/day, respectively. The products contributing most to the TiO₂ intake are toothpaste (in young children only), candy, coffee creamer, fine bakery wares and sauces. In a separate publication, the results are used to evaluate whether the presence of TiO₂ NPs in these products can pose a human health risk.

Although the evidence for general toxic effects was not conclusive, on the basis of the new data and strengthened methods we could not rule out a concern for genotoxicity and consequently we could not establish a safe level for daily intake of the food additive, commented Matthew Wright, member of the EFSA's Food Additives and Flavourings Panel in a press statement.

zinc oxide content, %

In January 2022, the average price of domestic titanium dioxide in local Chinese marketplaces was 20,735 RMB/MT. Traders were more careful in purchasing goods and downstream industries purchased things on demand. As a result, the overall market demand for titanium dioxide was general.

In recent years, environmental concerns have shaped the way lithopone is produced and used. Suppliers are now more attentive to the sustainability aspect of their operations, ensuring that lithopone is sourced from eco-friendly processes. Many suppliers have adopted responsible mining practices and have invested in technologies that reduce waste and emissions during production. This shift not only appeals to environmentally-conscious consumers but also helps manufacturers comply with stringent regulations regarding product safety and environmental impact.