09 . 19

celadonite : september ‘19

Celadonite is a mica group mineral, a phyllosilicate of potassium, iron in both oxidation states, aluminium and hydroxide with the formula: K[Si₄O₁₀](OH)₂. It has a wide range of shades of green to green/blue that can make visual identification difficult sometimes. 

Using pXRF (portable x-ray florescence) technology, Melonie Ancheta identified celadonite residue on a Coast Salish pigment grinding stone dated at 4,000 years old, proving the use of celadonite by the Coast Salish as the earliest, and longest use of this pigment by any culture group in the world. Found in all regions of the Northwest Coast, celadonite was used by all NW Coast Native cultures on bentwood boxes, masks, rattles and other cultural materials well into the 20th century. Melonie’s research has shown two main types of binders were used with celadonite: lipids and plain water. When applied with a lipid binder all mineral pigments darken slightly and have a slightly reflective, plastic finish. However, when applied with just water, the color of celadonite remains true and it has a matte, velvety finish. 

Today Native artists no longer use celadonite, but they strive to imitate its coloration on contemporary objects. The consistent use of this color over such a long period indicates how deeply this particular color (in fact all the colors of the NW Coast palette) is integral to the artwork and the cultures.

contributor : melonie ancheta

Melonie Ancheta is an artist and pigment researcher whose work has yielded rich insights into the cultures and history of pigment use among Pacific Northwest Coast Native people, particularly the use of blue and green pigments. In addition to identifying the earliest known use of celadonite (4,000 years ago, by the Coast Salish), Ancheta has reintroduced vivianite, a blue iron phosphate mineral, to the NW Coast palette and is considered one of the most knowledgable people about vivianite.

Through her organization, Native Paint Revealed, Ancheta shares her unique body of knowledge through private tutorials, mentoring, lectures, workshops, and writing. She teaches how to source and use materials, including how to make traditional NW Coast Native paint and paintbrushes, along with various methods of paint application.