Pearlescent Pigments

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This is written as a display, but can easily be adapted to a hands-on activity. Learners observe and shake containers of shiny liquids. Inside the containers are mixtures of water and some small crystals, which are called pearlescent pigments. These pigments are used in the coloring of makeup, soaps, paints, inks, and plastics. Pearlescence ("pearl-like") comes from the simultaneous reflection, bending, and transmission of light. White light shining on the surface of the substance breaks into its component colors, like light through a prism, creating a variety of colors.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Learning Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$5 - $10 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 4 - 14
Resource Types:
Activity, Exhibit
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • Four 300-ml round flasks (with flat bottoms)
  • Four rubber stoppers to fit the flasks
  • Four small magnetic stirring bars
  • Three different colors of industrial pearlescent pigments (from Rona Corporation, EM Chemicals and Pigments, Five Skyline Drive, Hawthorne, NY 10532: Colorona® Copper, Timiron® MP-149 Diamond Cluster, and Timiron® MP-20 Fine Gold)
  • 200 ml Suave® Shampoo
  • other products that contain pearlescent pigments will also work
  • Water
  • One magnetic stirring plate (from general storage)
  • One 1-tbsp measuring spoon
  • Plexiglas display shield

Keywords

Subjects

  • Engineering and Technology
    • Engineering
      • Manufacturing Engineering
  • Physical Sciences
    • Chemistry
      • Solutions
    • Vibration and Waves
      • Light and Optics
    • Light and Optics
      • Reflection and Refraction

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • see color
  • read
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Components that are part of this resource:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

Funding Source:

  • National Science Foundation