Rublev Barite is a very transparent, buff-coloured extender pigment ground in walnut oil for a smooth, buttery feel and subtle mixing control. Made from natural barium sulfate (barite, PW 22), this colour is ideal when you need a soft, warm neutral to tone down whites or reduce the intensity of stronger pigments without shifting hue in an obvious way.

Historically known as “heavy spar,” barite became one of the most important extender pigments of the 19th century because it is chemically inert, has a very low oil absorption value, and improves the handling of paint mixtures. In practice, Barite is especially useful for portraits and figurative work, where you want a transparent buff to gently warm and neutralise mixtures for natural flesh transitions. It is also excellent for lowering tinting strength in powerful colours like blues and greens while keeping mixtures clean.

• Pigment: Barite (Baryte), PW 22

• Chemical name: Barium sulfate (BaSO4)

• Binder: Walnut oil

• Additives: None

• Opacity: Transparent

• Tinting strength: Low

• Drying rate: Slow

• Lightfastness: Not listed

• Permanence: A (permanent)

• Code: 810

• Series: 2

Note: Because Rublev Artist Oils contain no waxes or stabilisers, slight natural separation of pigment and oil may occur. Knead the tube to remix before painting.