Kosmochlor is named for its occurrence in meteorites and is a component of jadeite (used in jewelry and carving) but azurite has been known and used as a pigment since antiquity so for its ubiquity and beauty I am giving it my art vote. It played an important role in the history of blue! #MinCup25
Vote here: https://www.mineralcup.org/2025/vote/r1m09
Title: Elephant and two boys
Period: Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
Date: 19th century
Culture: China
Medium: Kosmochlor jadeitite
Dimensions: H. 5 1/4 in. (13.3 cm); W. 4 1/4 in. (10.8 cm)
Classification: Jade
Credit Line: Bequest of Edmund C. Converse, 1921
Object Number: 21.175.113
This sculpture of two boys seated on a crouching elephant is from the Met.
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/43285
Hieronymus Bosch, The Haywain Triptych
ca 1510-16
“Hieronymus Bosch, The Haywain Triptych consists of four parts: the left panel named ‘Paradise’ shows the origin of sin on Earth with Adam and Eve being expulsed from Paradise by Archangel Michael. The center panel depicts mankind in sin trying to avail themselves of the earthly possessions symbolized by the hay. The right panel depicts the fires of Hell, while the back sides of both side panels show an old pilgrim trying to find his way in a dangerous world.
The triptych was thoroughly investigated by The Bosch Research and Conservation Project. The results of this investigation … reveals a limited palette consisting of the cheaper pigments employed in the Renaissance period, such as azurite, lead-tin yellow, vermilion, carmine kermes, and ochres.”
Via https://colourlex.com/project/hieronymus-bosch-haywain-triptych/
Anthony van Dyck, Lord John Stuart and his Brother, Lord Bernard Stuart
ca 1638
“Medium: Oil
Support: Canvas
Size: 237.5 x 146.1 cm
Art period: Baroque
National Gallery London
NG6518
A late portrait of the two sons of the 3rd Duke of Lennox. The two figures are prominently placed and worked out in considerable detail, while the background is left sketchy and gives an unfinished impression.
The pigment analysis casts light on the elaborate handling of painting materials in the costumes of both young men. Lord Bernard’s blue satin dress is painted in several layers of indigo, lead white and azurite to achieve the rich sheen of the fabric.”
Via https://colourlex.com/project/van-dyck-lord-john-stuart-brother-lord-bernard-stuart/
Raphael, Saint Catherine of Alexandria
ca 1507
“Medium: Oil
Support: Poplar
Size: 72.2 x 55.7 cm
Art period: High Renaissance
National Gallery London
NG168
Saint Catherine of Alexandria was also known as Saint Catherine of the Wheel and The Great Martyr. She was a Christian saint and virgin, who was martyred on the spiked wheel in the early 4th century at the hands of the pagan emperor Maxentius (in later versions Maximinus or Maximianus).”
This Renaissance painting shows shows the blond saint in blue dress, green shirt and gold and red cape looking skywards, in a natural setting with trees, lake, mountains and cloudy sky. Pigment analysis shows azurite in mixed colours in several places.
Via https://colourlex.com/project/raphael-saint-catherine-alexandria/