Daniel Smith Serpentine Genuine Extra Fine Watercolor, 5ml Tube – Rare Australian Stichtite Mineral Pigment

The Daniel Smith 5ml tube of Serpentine Genuine is a semi-transparent, granulating watercolor made from a rare Australian Stichtite mineral. This PrimaTek color offers a unique green with subtle specks of burnt scarlet, excellent lightfastness, and low staining—ideal for landscape and floral painters seeking distinctive granulation effects.

What Makes Serpentine Genuine Different?

Unlike conventional greens, this pigment comes from the mineral Stichtite, a soft stone traditionally carved into amulets. When mixed with water, it develops a granular texture with unexpected reddish specks, creating depth that flat greens cannot replicate. It is one of Daniel Smith's PrimaTek colors, a line made from natural minerals ground into pigment and blended with pure gum arabic.

Key Properties and Performance

• Lightfastness: Excellent – rated to resist fading for generations.
• Transparency: Semi-transparent, allowing layered washes.
• Granulation: Pronounced, with visible particles settling into paper texture.
• Staining: Low – easy to lift or rework after drying.
• Finish: Matte, typical of fine watercolors.

Specifications at a Glance

How Does It Behave on Paper?

Serpentine Genuine flows well from a brush and dries to a matte, semi-transparent finish. Granulation is strongest in wet-on-wet techniques, where the mineral particles separate to create textured patterns. The low staining property makes it forgiving for corrections or lifting highlights.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a PrimaTek watercolor?

PrimaTek colors are made from natural minerals ground into fine pigments. Daniel Smith sources these minerals globally—like the Stichtite used here—and mills them with gum arabic to produce watercolors with unique granulating effects.

Is this paint safe for children?

This product conforms to ASTM D4236, which ensures it meets safety standards for art materials. As with any watercolor, use under adult supervision for younger artists.

Can I use it with other watercolor brands?

Yes, it mixes with any watercolor brand. Its low staining and granulating nature will affect the mixture, so test on scrap paper first.

How permanent is the lightfastness?

Daniel Smith rates this color as Excellent lightfastness, meaning it is highly resistant to fading under normal display conditions.

This 5ml tube is a compact, affordable way to try a one-of-a-kind color from Daniel Smith's extensive lineup. Made in Seattle, Washington, USA.